County Councillors for Mitchel Troy and Trellech, Richard John and Jayne McKenna, have thanked volunteers who joined them for litterpicks in Dingestow and Mitchel Troy.

The Saturday afternoon litterpicks included residential streets in the villages and parts of the old Monmouth Road between the EuroGarages services and Monmouth.

The councillors reported that the notorious litter blackspot near the services was the worst they had seen for years. The volunteers collected nine bags of litter in total, including fast food packaging, confectionary wrappers and dozens of discarded drink containers.

Cllr Richard John said, “We’re always grateful to residents who give their own time to join us every time we organise a litterpick locally. It’s wonderful community spirit and shows how much we all care about protecting our local area.

“It was thoroughly depressing seeing the volume of litter in the hedgerows, clearly discarded from selfish and lazy passing motorists. There is just no excuse for throwing confectionary wrappers, drinks bottles and fast food packaging out of the window.

“It’s time the council got far tougher on litter louts. We need to expand the use of covert cameras so we can catch these mindless individuals and send a very clear message that littering in Monmouthshire will not be tolerated.”

Cllr Jayne McKenna said, “We want to thank residents for their support and for all the passing motorists and cyclists who kept a safe passing distance and offered words of encouragement as we were collecting litter.

“The stretch of road around the EuroGarages services was the worst we’ve seen in quite some time, but we have improved it for now.

“With the support of local volunteers, we will continue to organise litterpicks in the villages across our ward to keep our area of Monmouthshire looking as good as it can possibly be.”