Big Hitchin Autumn Tidy Up volunteers find everything including two kitchen sinks

More than 70 volunteers came together to spruce up Hitchin as part of the town’s semi-annual big tidy up – collecting rubbish including a breadmaker and two broken sinks.

The groups tackled parks and grounds including Pinehill Field, Butts Close, Bancroft and The Dell – while others worked in streets like Cambridge Road, Walsworth Road and Park Way.

Hitchin Forum event co-ordinator Ellie Clarke said: “We were particularly pleased this year to have not only Brownies and Guides in The Dell, but Scouts doing their World Challenge Awards at Ransom’s Recreation Ground.

“They had a great time cleaning rubbish out of the river, and made a big difference.

“Regular volunteers are reporting less rubbish than in previous years, which is very encouraging – but there were the usual ‘interesting finds’ nevertheless.

“We found a breadmaker off Park Way, a sleeping bag on Butts Close – described as ‘very dead’ and fortunately empty – two knives, a bucket and a toddler bike seat from the river at Ransom’s, a partial dinner service and a scooter from King George’s, and two broken sinks from The Dell.

“Volunteers joining in are incredibly appreciative that this event is organised, very positive about Hitchin and keen to help make their town an even nicer place.

“It is also very satisfying because the difference it makes is so visible, and passers-by express their appreciation.”

The Big Hitchin Autumn Tidy Up, organised by Hitchin Forum, is now in its sixth year.

The clean-up was supported by North Herts District Council, which provided collection bags, litter pickers and hi-vis vests and arranged collection of all the rubbish afterwards. Hitchin Initiative helped with publicity and provided insurance cover.

The next event will be the Big Hitchin Spring Clean. To find out more see hitchinforum.org.uk.