TATTON MP Esther McVey joined the Wilmslow Clean Team for their annual spring clean this year, donning a hi-vis jacket and rubber gloves as she set to work.

Focussing on the Moor Lane and Gravel Lane area of town, as well as the Morley Lane bridle path, Arlington Way, paths leading to Strawberry Lane, and lower Knutsford Road, Esther and the team collected a total of 17 bags.

Esther said: “I was invited along by Sally Hoare and had the chance to meet some of the team members including Chris Manley, who was leading the clean that day, and Chris Evans, the Clean Team chairman.

“It was a great time and lovely to see so many people out working together to keep our towns clean.

“There are many opportunities for people to volunteer and if we all play our part and do a small amount it makes a huge difference. I love being out in the constituency meeting different people, and events like these are great as I can do that but also play my part in keeping our area tidy.

“I got stuck in and chatted to volunteers as we picked up lots of beer cans, plastic bottles, and dog poo in bags, whatever was on the floor we picked up.”

Wilmslow Clean Team organise litter picking sessions every month, but during Easter week each year a full five days is dedicated to cleaning up the area. The team are always looking for new volunteers to help. All equipment, insurance and training is provided, and volunteers can choose which sessions they attend.

Chris Evans said: “It was very good to have Ms McVey with us on the evening. Ms McVey got involved with the litter pick as the photos show. She must’ve stayed with us for well over an hour.

“We walked with Ms McVey from Stormy Point up to New Street and in that short distance collected four bags of litter. This was not prearranged litter.”

Esther added: “We have wonderful people who want to keep our community clean. As well as those who join the twice monthly organised cleans, there are a number of residents who do ad-hoc cleans in their own street or look after specific areas of the town.

“We live in a wonderful community in a beautiful part of the country and it is lovely to see residents of all ages along with local businesses attend these events.”

For more information, or to volunteer, visit wilmslowcleanteam.org.uk