MEMBERS of a newly-formed Halesowen litter pick group were out and about at the weekend and collected 17 bags of rubbish.

Fourteen volunteers collected 17 bags of rubbish as well as four bags of recycling and items including car tyres and broken road signs from the green space opposite Halesowen College in Whittingham Road, on Saturday (January 18).

The litter pick was the first official event organised by Halesowen residents who are part of the Facebook group ‘Keep Halesowen Beautiful.’

The group was established earlier this month and has more than 150 members.

Andrew Tromans, Labour candidate for Belle Vale ward in the upcoming local elections started the Keep Halesowen Beautiful facebook group. He said: "Whilst I was doing my rounds speaking to residents, I kept seeing people picking litter in by themselves.

"I thought there ought to be an online community were people who care about keeping Halesowen beautiful can come together and organise litter picks.

"I am looking forward to partnering with other organisations in Halesowen to organise clean-ups.

"If you are looking to meet new people and maybe even have a bit of a workout, why not come along to one of our litter picking sessions.”

Stalwart Halesowen litter-picker Jean Green, who is a Keep Britain Tidy Ambassador and co-founder of Keep Halesowen Beautiful, said: “It was encouraging to see so many people turn out to help.

"It is always good to get out in the fresh air and keep the area litter free, it also helps wildlife too as many small mammals get stuck in the cans and bottles.”

The group are planning more litter picks in the future across Halesowen.

The next Keep Halesowen Beautiful litter pick will be on Saturday Jan 25, meeting at 9.30am at the carpark for The Scrolls on Stourbridge Road, Halesowen.