A SPRING clean was given to Aldermaston when residents took part in an annual rubbish clearing event.

Under the leadership of Councillor David Fowler, the group of Aldermaston residents participated in national initiative Community Clear Up Day.

The national spring clean, backed by the Government, aims to spruce up England’s high streets, residential and business areas, villages and parks.

In Aldermaston, litter picking kits were borrowed from West Berkshire Council and hi-vis jackets were loaned by Atomics Weapons Establishment (AWE).

A large number of parishioners assembled outside the village shop and, after a health and safety briefing, set off in small groups to tackle the cycle path, local footpaths, and road verges.

The volunteers tidied for 90 minutes, filling a large number of black sacks. Similar activity on a smaller scale took place elsewhere in the parish, including at Paices Hill, Aldermaston Wharf, and along Spring Lane.

Dave Shirt, the chairman of Aldermaston Parish Council, said: “All participants agreed it had been a worthwhile activity, with self-evident results, and that it should become a regular event.”