Free training for volunteers to keep towns tidy

People who want to help make their town or village look tidier by clearing weeds or cutting grass, are being offered free training to do so safely.

Somerset Council has approved plans to allow local town and parish councils to carry out low level voluntary highways maintenance work, and will provide a safety awareness course for those who want to get involved.

The work that volunteers will be trained to do will include litter picking, cleaning signs and clearing gullies.

Gerard Tucker, chairman of Aller Parish Council and town clerk of Langport Town Council, said: "I do things because I see that it is right to do and I would actively encourage others to do the same."

Somerset Council said it would retain the responsibilities of the highway authority, with the new scheme enabling volunteers "to enhance the services we already provide".

Councillor Richard Wilkins said: "This isn't about the parish council stepping in to do work we're not doing.

"We will continue to do the high level maintenance. However, the parishes and towns and cities are clear they are keen to make the place even better."

Mr Tucker added: "I take an enormous pride in the areas I work. I'm noticing it's more difficult to get people to do things.

"I raised that there needed to be simpler training for volunteers for myself who don't need to spend £300 and a whole day learning these things.

"I'll be very surprised if there's not enough people. I'm convinced the county has done a winner with this one. I think there'll be an uptake."

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