Kingswood Community Clean Up is an initiative set up thanks to one resident’s determination to improve public spaces.
Jon Allum founded the group in January with the belief that everyday residents have the power to shape their communal space.
The group has grown from three volunteers at the first event to 11 at the most recent one — an encouraging sign of growing community spirit. Jon and the team meet every fortnight, on a Saturday or Sunday, for about an hour, with the option to stay longer.
Each time, they move around Kingswood’s parks and green spaces, picking litter, pulling weeds and making spaces better for everyone to enjoy. Recent sessions focused on Westons Way Playing Field and the green space around Woodstock Play Area, where the group expects to be working for the next couple of months.
Jon’s motivation for starting the group comes from powerful early memories of life on his childhood street.
He said: “I remember not having a play park near where we lived. My parents gathered the support of local people and asked the council for one. One was built, and we had somewhere to play.”
He also remembers watching his Dad spend an entire day clearing weeds and overgrowth from a row of garages, after neighbours declined to help.
“He worked himself to a standstill to make our part of the world a better place to live. I think I’m driven to do the same and make my parents proud,” said Jon.
Although independent, the group has had support from South Gloucestershire Council, who have provided litter-picking equipment and collected the bagged waste.
Residents of all ages are welcome to join future sessions. Details about upcoming events are at:www.kingswoodcleanup.co.uk. To get involved or find out more, email: kingswoodcleanup@gmail.com