Video shows 'crazy' amount of litter as 100 bags filled at north Derbyshire park

The Chesterfield Litter Picking Group headed to Sharley Park in Clay Cross for their latest community clean-up – and collected more than 100 bags of litter in just two hours.

Dumped items included a duvet, shopping trolley, car exhaust and a Wheat Crunchies crisp packet which dated back to the 1980s.

Members of the group, who organise litter picks across the area, are concerned by a rise in littering and fly-tipping during the pandemic.

Spokesperson Tracey Clifford said the amount collected in a short period was ‘crazy’ and resulted in the group’s ‘highest bag count so far’.

"We had a mix of age groups all of which were excited to be part of the group event,” Tracey said.

"Most of us were in Sharley Park clearing the hedgerows where the bulk of the rubbish was and in two hours we counted up at least 100 bags.

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"There is still a lot to do there but we will be having another group event soon to get it finished.

"It drew a lot of attention from the local residents who said what a great job we were doing but also what a shame it has to be done in the first place.

"The majority of rubbish collected was cans, plastic bottles and plastic wrappers one of which was a crisp packet from 1989.

“We did find bulkier items including a duvet, shopping trolley which has now been reunited with Tesco, a tyre, car exhaust, car parts, a children’s trike and carpet.”

Also taking place on Saturday, April 10 were Tupton councillors David Hancock, Ross Shipman and Camille Ramshaw, and North East Derbyshire MP Lee Rowley.

Mick Cave, at North East Derbyshire District Council, provided bags for the litter and Small Business Accountants Limited funded two heavy duty trolleys.

Tracey added: “Everyone said how much they had enjoyed being part of a group and helping the community and are looking forward to the next one.

"We encourage more people to come along, it’s very social and there are no expectations on how much you need to do whether it’s half a bag or five it all helps.”

For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page.

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