Neil O’Brien, MP for Harborough, Oadby & Wigston recently showed his support for the ‘litter womble’ initiative at an event in the House of Commons. Litter wombles is the term affectionately given to volunteers who carry out litter picks in their local area.

Locally, the ‘South Leicestershire Litter Wombles’ are active across much of Harborough, Blaby and Oadby & Wigston. The group was established last year by Bob Lee, a local resident in South Leicestershire.

Neil said, “I’ve joined the wombles for a pick in the constituency and seen first-hand their energy and enthusiasm in wanting to improve the local area. The councils are clamping down on fly-tipping and it’s disappointing that people still resort to littering, but the volunteer wombles are doing an incredible job in the face of this.

Bob Lee said, “It started with me going out with a few bags and borrowed litter picker, and we now have an active group with over 750 members. We’ve held picks across South Leicestershire, covering parks, villages, town centres and country lanes. Many villages have also set up their own groups, so please do get in touch via our facebook group if you’d be interested in getting involved.”

Neil concluded, “Details of local sessions are posted on the ‘South Leicestershire Litter Wombles’ facebook group, which is updated regularly. If you’d like to get involved, please do search for their group on facebook and join”