News

The Hawkinge 'Spring Clean' proved a big success last weekend with around forty volunteers picking up sacks of litter, but a district councillor said it was not a good reflection on the community that so much is being discarded.

Youngsters from the 3rd Hawkinge  Cubs, families, youth group members and residents cleared litter from Mill Lane, Kettle Drive, Canterbury Road, Heron Forstal Ave, De Havilland Close, Haven Drive, Page Road, Rose Walk, Pritchard Drive and the community green.

Organiser Tanya Clark said: "Overall we collected approximately 30 bags of rubbish, mostly consisting of plastics, cigarette packets and a bottles and cans.

"Some unusual items were found too, such as a water butt lid; obviously used for sledging this year!"

After completing their tasks, the volunteers tucked into a well deserved buffet lunch and cold drinks at Hawkinge Community Centre.

Village Warden, Tanya admitted though that the amount of litter had increased from the last clean up in October and many of the regular volunteers also  commented on it.

She said: "To keep Hawkinge a clean, green and nice place to live we all need to do our bit to help and educating the younger generation is the way forward. Let's keep Hawkinge clear of litter by working together."

Shepway councillor, David Godfrey praised the warden saying:“ Congratulations to Warden Tanya and her team for drumming up good support for the village litter pick last Saturday.

"I was unable to join them but saw the substantial number of bags they filled which for the team is commendable, but perhaps not a good reflection on the community that so much is discarded.”