A LITTER picking group has received new equipment.

Wickford Wombles, a volunteer led clean up group, received the equipment after they applied to Basildon Council's high street and town centre's clean-up fund.

Members of the group tried out their longer sticks during a litter pick in the Nevendon Road area today, and were joined by the High Sheriff of Essex, James Bettley.

The £30,000 clean-up fund was launched in September last year when residents, schools and community groups were asked to submit their ideas to win funding to clean up their high streets and town centres.

Tracy Menzies of the Wickford Wombles said: “More equipment for the group means we can make better headway into cleaning up Wickford.

"The long litter sticks give us a better chance of reaching the plastic bags in hedgerows.

“We just ask that everyone helps us by not dropping their litter. Thanks to the high street clean-up fund we have equipment available at all times for the group to use to help make where we live a nicer place for all. For us and our wildlife alike.”

David Harrison, a councillor of the Wickford Park ward, added: "I’m pleased our fund has paid for this equipment so the Wombles, who do a marvellous job around Wickford, can continue to do their bit for the community.

"What they are doing for the local area really cannot be underestimated."

The fund is still open, and if you have an idea email highstreetcleanup@basildon.gov.uk