A major effort to give Jaywick a spring clean has been hailed a success.

Tendring District Council (TDC) called in its waste collection contractors Veolia and joined forces with a band of dedicated volunteers to carry out the environmental clear-up on Saturday (May 16).

In all more than 20 tons of waste was removed including 26 old televisions, two washing machines, two tumble dryers, two cookers, nine fridge/freezers, five vacuum cleaners, two computers, 12 settees/armchairs, 15 mattresses and five gas bottles.

There was even an entire kitchen and bathroom - as well as two fish tanks!

Residents had been asked to take their items for disposal to a particular site and a skip was filled with metal. A collection was also made from those who were unable to deliver to the site themselves.

Lynda McWilliams, TDC's Portfolio Holder for Environment, said that it was encouraging to see such cooperation between volunteers and contractors.

"We had a similar clear up in my ward which was very successful," she said. "It just seems a shame that some people feel it's OK just to dump rubbish."

Margaret O'Dell, Operations Manager for the Interaction Partnership, said it was a real team effort.

"The warden team, TDC's environmental compliance officer, John Wolton Chairman of the Jaywick Forum, volunteers, and Veolia all pulled together to make a real difference for residents living in Jaywick," she said.

"It was a job well done and four days of planning and collecting went into this initiative."

While carrying out the clear-up the team came across a dog that followed them around.

It was later discovered that the Staffordshire bull terrier had got parted from its owner who was desperately trying to find him.

"We then came across a very tearful teenager who had a lead - but no dog on the end of it - and were able to reunite the pair," added Mrs O'Dell.

"All in all it was a very satisfying end to a very successful day."

19/5/09

Related Links: Waste and Recycling Pages