Volunteers out in force for Barney spring clean

DOZENS of litter-busters turned out to help give Barney a bit of a spring clean.
In all, 28 bags of rubbish – and a large tyre – were collected in two hours on Saturday by 39 volunteers young and old.
It was the third town clean-up to be organised by the Barney Christmas Lights committee, the town’s Rotary Club, George O’Brien and the Anti-Litter Bugs and The Hub, with support from The Witham, where the event was based.
Roger Peat, from Barney Lights, said the clean-up had attracted a similar number of people top last year’s effort.
“We make a good team,” he added.
Among those taking part for the first time was Julie Marshall, who said: “I know George and his family. I have been out with them on litter picks, but this the first organised one I have been on.”
Other first-timers were Daisy and Rosie Newton, along with mum Louise. They had spotted details of the event on social media on Saturday morning and decided it would be a good to help out.
Katy Waldock was hopeful her nine-year-old son Ryan’s efforts would help towards another badge at Barnard Castle Cubs.
Janet Sweeting, who was patrolling the grounds of The Bowes Museum, has taken part in all three organised litter-picks.
“I am proud of where I live and I don’t like to see it covered with litter. I will always pick up litter whenever I see it.”
Ms Sweeting also highlighted the town’s “disappearing” litter bins from areas such as the public car park adjacent to Morrison, the Queen Street corner garden and outside the Methodist Church.
Peter and Rachel Stevens, along with daughter Phoebe, 10, and friend Libby Pearson, also 10, had popped over from Startforth to lend a hand.
Mrs Steven said: “We litter pick regularly as a family and as often as we can with the organised events. We regularly call at Pauline’s toy shop to borrow the equipment from there.”
Earlier in the week, the town’s volunteer workers – part of the Barney Lights group – began sprucing up the Roman Way picnic site down by the river.
The workers assumed responsibility for keeping the popular spot in tip-top shape last year, replanting the contents of the old Veg Out boxes in the area and keeping the site regularly mown. As well as weeding, workers spread wood chipping donated by Durham County Council to help keep the weeds at bay during the summer.
“It’s coming along quite nicely, although sadly some of the ash tree have dieback,” said Mr Peat.