LAST Saturday morning I was once again delighted to join local residents for a community litter pick in Cepen Park south in Chippenham.

I was pleased to see new residents as well as those who had previously supported the Clean for the Queen litter pick a few months ago.

As a community we must continue to highlight that the dropping of litter is socially and economically unacceptable and as a local councillor I want to see local authorities, not just in Wiltshire, but across the country, spending their highly strained financial resources on services for the elderly, vulnerable and youth as well as continued improvements to our highways rather than the millions on collecting litter.

It is vital that we keep highlighting the message that any kind of littering is not acceptable.

Community litter picks play a vital part as well as highlighting to local businesses and schools the role they can play to help improve the appearance of our local communities.

Finally, I am aware there are many groups and individuals across Wiltshire who on a regular basis and with very minimal recognition undertake litter picks within our communities.

You are all making a difference and collectively sending out a very strong message to those persistent litter offenders.

COUN PETER J HUTTON, Cepen Park and Derriads, Chippenham