28 April 2008
Communities across the Heads of the Valleys turned out in force last week to give their towns and villages a spring clean.
The 2008 Heads of the Valleys Spring Clean was launched in Abertysswg by the Heads of the Valleys Minister, Leighton Andrews along with Newport Gwent Dragons rugby players, James Harris and Ashley Smith.
Schools, community groups and local agencies worked together to improve the living environment as part of this worthwhile annual event. Working in rough weather conditions, over 50 people did their bit to clear up litter and overgrowth as well as collecting materials that could be recycled.
Keep Wales Tidy produced free clean-up kits and on the launch day alone over 100 bags of litter and waste was collected in Abertysswg by the dedicated team.
The clean-up kits were sponsored by the Heads of the Valleys Programme and local authorities pledged support to the campaign by providing litter and recycling bags, gloves and litter collection to all those taking part.
A special competition was also held for schools where a £500 prize will be presented to the school that makes the best sculpture from the recyclable materials collected during their clean up event.
Pupils from Abertysswg Primary School helped create an impressive 'eco warrior' statue and they named him Robbie after a pupil who helped make the sculpture and was leaving the school that day.
A Caerphilly county borough council spokesman said, "This event demonstrates how easy it can be to help make a difference and all those involved in the clean up should be very proud of their efforts. It was very encouraging to see people of all ages come together to help make their community a cleaner, greener place."
For more information contact Keep Wales Tidy on 029 2072 6962 or visit the website www.keepwalestidy.org
The Heads of the Valleys Programme is a 15 year regeneration partnership bringing together the Welsh Assembly Government and local authorities with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors. For more information on the Heads of the Valleys programme please visit www.wales.gov.uk/headsofthevalleys
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