A VILLAGE is looking spick and span after villagers tackled their annual spring clean.

An army of youngsters, parents and youth club members donned fluorescent jackets and used litter grabbers to clear rubbish from Gwernymynydd hedgerows, pavements and open spaces.

Vicky Hinstridge, who chairs Gwernymynydd Community Council, says she was thrilled with the turn-out despite the overcast conditions and threat of rain.

She said: “It’s been a very productive morning. The amount of litter and rubbish collected is simply amazing. It seems to be crisp packets, plastic drink bottles and fast food wrappings that people discard the most but we also collected everything from beer and spirit bottles, nappies and even the odd shoe!”

She added: “If people would just take their rubbish home it would make such a huge difference. As a rural community we don’t want plastic and rubbish getting into fields where it could cause injury or illness to livestock.

“I’m really grateful to the young people and parents who turned out and spent several hours filling more than 40 bin bags full of waste that will now be collected by Flintshire County Council.”

Flintshire County councillor Kevin Hughes, who recruited his two granddaughters who live in Connah’s Quay as litter pickers for the day, said: “This was once again a fabulous community effort. Well done to all those that took part and collected so much litter and rubbish.

“And a big thanks to Mold Town Council who loaned us the fluorescent jackets, litter pickers and gloves. The village looks so much better.

“If we can encourage and educate people to take their litter home and not throw it from car windows we could protect the environment for everyone.”