Tidy-up trophy (From Barry And District News)

Tidy-up trophy

A WOODLAND project is in the running for a national award in recognition of members' efforts in keeping Wales tidy.

Cwmtalwg Woodlands Residents' Group in Barry has been shortlisted for the Long Term Tidy Wales Trophy category.

The volunteer members have transformed a piece of wasteland off Severn Avenue into a place where people can walk and enjoy their environment - and they continue to maintain the site.

Group secretary Anne Bryan said: "It's great that the work we have done over the years has been recognised.

"We have had good support from the community and members since we started in 1988.

"There are quite a few people from the group who regularly go out to pick up the rubbish left behind.

"Before we started tidying up the area off Severn Avenue it was a terrible mess. There were fridges and all sorts of things dumped on the land.

"Today people use it to walk to school or go to other places.

"We have also encouraged school parties to come and study the wildlife."

The group has 100 members, who pay an annual fee to help cover the costs.

Winners of the specially commissioned bronze trophy, plus other category winners, will be announced in front of a packed audience at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff on Thursday, July 14.

Environment Minister Carwyn Jones AM will present the trophy and 5,000 in cash prizes.

The annual Tidy Wales Awards are organised by Keep Wales Tidy in partnership with Environment Agency Wales and the Wales Tourist Board. They aim to encourage people to take action to clean up and improve their environment.