West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin joined volunteers on a litter picking session to highlight the blight of littering across the rural road network.

The MP joined a regular litter picking group in Eastham to collect rubbish thrown from vehicles as people drive through the precious rural countryside.

And Dame Harriett encouraged other local community groups to band together to help keep the countryside clean, but she also urged drivers to take their rubbish home.

Dame Harriett said:

“I’m really grateful for all the community groups who take the time to clear up their local areas and fight the scourge of littering.

“It saddens me that so many people think it is acceptable to throw their rubbish from vehicles, which can be bottles of alcohol, fast food wrappers, coffee cups and other non-biodegradable junk.

“Malvern Hills District Council supports group like the people from Eastham with equipment and collecting bags and I’ve joined a number of groups over the last year to help out and also to raise awareness of the issue.

“And last week, at the other end of West Worcestershire, I met with local councillors and National Highways to see first-hand the depressing amount of rubbish dumped at a roadside layby along the A46.

“My message to drivers is clear. Please take your rubbish home because it is damaging the environment and it means that volunteers have to go out in all conditions to clear up your mess after you.”

Photo: Dame Harriett Baldwin MP joins Eastham litter pickers.