At the end of last month, a team from Cemex UK’s Marine business, part of Cemex, a global construction materials and solutions company, spent a day in Twyford and Compton clearing the area of litter – all part of the company’s ‘Lend a Hand’ volunteering initiative, which “helps employees get involved in community projects that make a real difference in the areas where they operate”.

Joined by Cllr Susan Cook, a local councillor who works tirelessly to keep Winchester beautiful, and supported by the Litter Partnership, the group collected rubbish from local streets, footpaths, and the surrounding countryside, including picturesque Compton Lock, which sits on a stretch of the River Itchen designated both as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for its rich biodiversity and floodplain meadows.

The day was inspired by Cemex’s Susie Taylor, who said afterwards: “As a member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust [H&IOW Trust], I’ve always enjoyed being in the countryside and wanted to help a local area of natural beauty, used and enjoyed by the public. We got in touch with the H&IOW Trust who in turn directed us to Tom Bristowe at the Litter Partnership and Cllr Susan Cook. We are grateful for their time and enthusiasm which enabled us to set up the day.”

Cllr Cook was full of praise for the volunteers’ efforts, saying: “We were blessed with wonderful weather and I’m so glad the company took on this challenge. What the team achieved today was amazing! I am extremely grateful to everyone involved.”

Tom Bristowe, founder of the Litter Partnership, added: “Susie Taylor and her colleagues at Cemex are the latest in a line of company volunteers doing their bit to tackle the scourge of litter in Winchester. I cannot thank them enough. If employees at other local companies would like to follow their lead, we would obviously love to hear from them. Together, we really can make a difference!”

After their long day, the Cemex team ensured all the rubbish collected was disposed of responsibly. The cans were placed in the “Yellow Bin” in Colden Common, where they are collected and traded in for cash to raise money for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance; the plastics went to the appropriate recycling streams; and any remaining rubbish was placed in suitable bins, which were then emptied by idverde, Winchester City Council’s street scene contractor, which provides a flexible litter-pick support service for local residents. 
 
Tom Bristowe concluded: “It was a fabulous team effort! Thank you to everyone who played their part.”