76569-15A RETIRED postman has urged a neighbourhood to clean up its act and show respect to the dead.

John Oliver, 68, of Brooklands Avenue, Rodbourne Cheney, has been verger of St Mary's Church since 2000.

And he is growing increasingly annoyed by litter being dumped in the churchyard.

Mr Oliver says beer cans and bottles can often be found on graves.

Now he is appealing for help in clearing it up as a mark of respect for the dead and their families.

On April 23, Mr Oliver will lead a spring clean and he wants litter-dropping culprits to pitch in.

"It would be nice to see youngsters lend a hand," he said. "At the moment all we have is a small group of elderly people who regularly do cleaning around the church as an act of neighbourliness.

"Volunteers don't even have to be regular churchgoers."

Mr Oliver suspects young yobs are to blame for the litter.

This won't be the first time Mr Oliver has carried out a spring clean.

"This will be the third one," he said. "I do it out of neighbourliness more than anything.

"I am a retired postman and the sense of community spirit in Rodbourne Cheney is very good.

"Unfortunately just a few are showing a lack of respect."

Mr Oliver said it's important relatives of the dead are allowed to think of their loved ones in tranquil surroundings.

"They don't want to see beer cans and bottles when they come to sit by their loved one's graveside," he said.

"Four years ago the churchyard was in a real mess. Swindon Council contractors carry out general maintenance, including the grass-cutting, but volunteers do everything else.

Mr Oliver added that CCTV put up before Christmas has deterred some from loitering in the area but he said the problem is still there.

Anyone interested in helping should meet Mr Oliver at 10am armed with gardening equipment, if they have it.

Refreshments will be provided. For more information call 01793 520290.

Kevin Shoesmith