Parts of Aycliffe Business Park are a little cleaner thanks to the work of Aycliffe Running Club.
The club decided to try out an initiative called “plogging” – a recreational activity originating in Sweden which incorporates jogging/walking and picking up litter.
Club members took part in the initiative which is part of the ‘Big Spring Clean’ initiative, in April, walking and jogging around the business park collecting litter for one hour.
The event was organised by the Ladies Club Captain Jayne Rudd, with the business park chosen as the club bases a number of its training runs around the park and after a walk around the area, it was clear that the area could benefit from a clean up.
There were a number of club members who turned up and spread themselves along a chosen area carrying out their work enthusiastically and with pride.
They collected approximately 20 bags of litter in the process. This included clearing one it to area around a drain to stop it from blocking and causing to flood.
“Those taking part found the experience positive and rewarding and there was a sense of giving back to the local area,” said club representative Steven Dawson.
“One member commented on how scary it was with the amount of litter collected in one hour, although it would be a never ending task of keeping the are clean.
“The member in question will now be patrolling their patch for fresh litter to ensure it remains clean!
“As well as helping to tidy up the area, it is also a simple way to keep yourself active whilst doing a good deed for the local environment and to give something back to our local community.
“A number of members expressed an interested in organising another plogging event and we hope that more members can take part next time and clear up even more litter in the process.”