A Penrith man has been voluntarily keeping the streets clean in a gesture of goodwill to the town.
Tony Pears, 49, of Windsor Drive, began litter picking around his estate about two years ago.
It began simply because he had become fed up with seeing the streets in his community look untidy.
He said: “I’ve lived in Penrith all my life and I’ve got a real pride in the town. When people come into town from the train station and they see the castle, I want it to look good for them. The last thing you want to see is litter everywhere.
“It’s my own way of volunteering. It does some good and keeps me fit. It’s also nice to look back at an area I’ve done and know that I was able to make a difference.”
Tony regularly walks the fells, but with COVID-19 restrictions and bad weather, he has been forced to walk closer to home of late.
However, as a result of this, Tony said he had been tidying a lot more this winter.
Professionally, Tony maintains motorways and trunk roads, so is no stranger to unsavoury rubbish.
He added: “I’ve seen all sorts of things people have thrown away over the years. The hard shoulder can get covered in everything, from drinks cans to dirty nappies. I hate litter.
“Everyone hates litter, but I’ve got the time and I’ve got the means to do something about it. So, I thought why not?”
Eden District Council heard about Tony’s good deeds and donated a litter picker and council bin bags, meaning he can leave the bags for collection instead of carrying them all home.
Community portfolio holder at Eden District Council, Lissie Sharp said: “We’d like to thank all current and future volunteers for their efforts in helping to keep Eden clean and litter-free.”
Tony regularly cleans the streets near to his house and often goes further afield to places dear to him.
“I was brought up on Castlegate, so I’ll usually go there. It was good to me, so I’ll look after it,” added Tony.
He also tidies near his favoured watering holes, which include The Agricultural Hotel and the Station Hotel.
He also clears rubbish in the town’s Castle Park and near the flat where his mother used to live.
“I go with my dog Buddy the border terrier first and walk around, scanning the area to see where I’m most needed. I’m looking all the time,” he explained.
Tony says he also hopes he can inspire others to take up the anti-litter cause in their own areas.
“I put things on my Facebook, but it’s just to promote litter-picking not myself,” he said. I’d be really chuffed if people started doing similar things wherever they live, but it just makes me feel good to do and that’s enough.”
Eden District Council can provide litter picking equipment and organise a collection service for the rubbish. For more information email contracts@eden.gov.uk
