Volunteers are cleaning up town (From Malvern Gazette)

Volunteers are cleaning up town

VOLUNTEERS from Malvern and Ledbury Rotary Clubs, joined by Malvern Hills Lions, have been helping the clear-up process in Upton this week.

Rotarians set to help with flood clean-up operations in Upton (from left): Martin Burton (president, Malvern Rotary). Laura Green (street scene warden), David Tombs (Ledbury Rotary), Neal Farr (Ledbury Rotary), Tony Lyons (Malvern Rotary), Keith Clingan (

The clubs have between them mustered up to 40 able-bodied volunteers who from Wednesday have been helping to shift some of the debris left over from last week's devastating floods.

Martin Burton, president of Malvern Rotary, said: "The Malvern and Ledbury clubs have joined forces to do this, adn the Malvern Hills Lions have come on board as well.

"We are working under the direction of the district council, and they are providing us with protective clothing."

John Jenkins, president of Malvern Hills Lions, said: "We're ready and willing to do our bit."

The volunteers' job is to clear up debris from roads and from gardens, including ruined items of furniture and white goods thrown out by householders.

MHDC street scene manager Gordon Morris said: "We're very grateful for their help. Anybody wanting to volunteer is more than welcome."

He said that refuse wagons are being provided to carry away carpets and other items, while separate lorries are provided for ruined electrical goods.

He said; "People in Upton seem pretty bouyant. They're hepling each other out."

Malvern Hills Lions have also been helping flood victims in a different way, by manning a warehouse in Leigh Sinton which is being used to store donated furniture.

The furniture is being collected by BBC Hereford and Worcester for distribution to families which have lost their own belongings.