Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to weed, litter pick and spruce up the town centre for the first of a series of task force days around Sidmouth.

Sidmouth Herald: A cherry picker was out to help clean gutters on the first task force day.A cherry picker was out to help clean gutters on the first task force day. (Image: Archant)

Members of the chamber of commerce, Sid Vale Association, Sidmouth in Bloom were joined by residents, visitors and councillors to carry out jobs last Wednesday.

A cherry picker was also on hand to clear gutters of debris and weeds as part of the joint venture by Sidmouth Town Council and Sidmouth in Bloom to help Sidmouth in its quest to be named the best in Britain by competition judges.

It is the first of a number of clean up days which the council hopes will encourage traders and residents to keep their areas clean.

Councillor Michael Earthey, who suggested the idea to his colleagues, said: “We are all aware that the climate is challenging for some local businesses and the council is often asked what we can we do to help our traders. Though the town council cannot lower business rates, we can help in ways such as this clean up.

“Our volunteers have got things started and traders will hopefully now continue this and of course, it demonstrates to customers they care and take pride in their premises which can only be beneficial.

“Traders have responsibility for keeping their properties tidy whether owned or rented. It doesn’t take much to sweep, weed or litter pick outside of your shop frontage.”

Lynette Talbot, chairman of Sidmouth in Bloom, said it was a very good effort by helpers and the group would be out again on May 2 before the next task force clean up on May 30.

The group’s Sidcombers have also been out in force with its fortnightly beach cleans and is looking for more members to join them.

The award winning group will be meeting this Saturday (April 21) from 2pm to 4pm and will meet from the west end of the promenade.

Lynette said: “We clear all rubbish including bottles, paper, plastics, dead birds, fisherman’s waste: and in winter collect large drift wood pieces which are then chipped and recycled. This is to protect boats from damage.”