A SPECIAL litter hit squad has been targeting grot spots in the Malvern Hills district as part of a national campaign to get communities cleaning up their areas.

District council staff were joined by council leader Phil Grove, chairman Cllr John Raine and residents, as they spent last Friday morning clearing away rubbish.

The litter pick focused on four areas in Chase and Pickersleigh in Malvern, Newland and Kempsey, all nominated by residents.

They filled more than 30 bags of rubbish. Among the more unusual items found among the bottles and crisp packets were a doll’s head, car parts, two plastic baskets and a used nappy.

The event was part of the Great British Spring Clean, which aims to bring people together to clear up their areas, building on the success of last year’s Clean for the Queen campaign.

Cllr Grove said: “It was a great team effort by everyone involved. Overall Malvern Hills district is a clean and tidy place to live but it’s clear there are problem areas and we need to consider what more we can do, working with our partners, to tackle this issue.

"We spend a significant amount of money on street cleaning every year and that’s money that could be better spent on something else. Residents can play their part by simply taking their rubbish home with them and disposing of it properly.”

Cllr Raine said: “When people throw a crisp packet out of a car window or drop a can on the floor they may think they are not doing any harm but they’re actually blighting one of the most beautiful parts of the country as well as posing a potential danger to wildlife. The message is simple – bin it, don’t drop it!”

The council has litter-picking equipment available to loan to schools and community groups that wish to help keep their areas clean. Email claire.vaughan@malvernhills.gov.uk for more information. Residents can also report grot spots by visiting the council's website.