VOLUNTEERS from Keep Halesowen Beautiful have been back out clearing up their community as lockdown has gradually eased.

The group, launched earlier this year, has returned to clear up litter on the streets and in beauty areas across the town, including hot spots such as Manor Way and Leasowes Park.

With restrictions easing further, the group are planning weekly meetings and are looking to recruit more members.

Andrew Tromans, Labour Party spokesperson for Belle Vale who helped establish the group, said: "It is great to be able to go out again to clean up sites across Halesowen. It is important to note that members of Keep Halesowen Beautiful and other volunteers did not stop picking litter during lockdown, instead, they just looked after their immediate areas and went by themselves or with members of their household.

"This is community spirit in action, and I am proud to be a part of it."

The group's return comes as residents have reported a spike in the amount of rubbish left at beauty spots such as Leasowes Park and the Clent Hills.

Caroline Miller, who lives in Lapal and is also a founding member of Keep Halesowen Beautiful said: “It is very sad that a minority of people deliberately throw their rubbish from vehicles or leave their litter in park areas spoiling it for everyone. It is unsightly and a danger to wildlife.

"I would like to urge people to consider their own behaviours and respect our neighbourhood whether you reside in Halesowen or are visiting our town and parks."

The group is backed by the Street and Green care team at Dudley Council who have provided equipment to the group and collect up the rubbish after the litter picks.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the group should join Keep Halesowen Beautiful on Facebook.

To report evidence of fly tipping, contact the Dudley Council street care team on street.cleaning@dudley.gov.uk or 01384 814591.