A new community garden named in the honour of a local war hero is to be created out of a piece of derelict land in Bedwas, after volunteers cleared 46 bags of rubbish during a recent litter pick.
Volunteers from Bedwas and Trethomas Allotment Association and 7th Caerphilly Scouts joined Bedwas Trethomas and Machen community councillors and volunteers from retailer Wilko and charity Keep Wales Tidy for the pick.
The team spent two hours cleaning up the woodland area, opposite Bedwas High School, ahead of a community consultation and redevelopment of the site.
They collected 46 bags of rubbish weighing 200kg, as well as two sofas, a mattress and a garden statue.
The aim is to create a garden worthy of a Green Flag Community Award.
Cllr Chris Morgan said: “We had a great morning and in such a short area we collected 46 bags of rubbish “We are proud be working with Wilkinson’s and Keep Wales Tidy and we will be creating a garden for all to use and it will be named after local paratrooper Michael Williams who was sadly killed in Afghanistan ten years ago.”
Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive, Lesley Jones said: “We’re proud to be part of the Together for Communities programme and would like to thank wilko for their ongoing support. These vital funds enable us to help volunteers care for their local environment and transform areas for everyone to enjoy.
“We’re delighted to be working with so many different people, groups and organisations in Bedwas. Together we’ll create a fantastic garden that will be a real asset for the whole community.”