The litter-pick, organised every year by Reverend Rob Budd, vicar at Heathcote Parish Church, helps keep the local area clean and tidy for the benefit of the whole community.
Local children were among the volunteers who took part, and Inspired Villages sponsored the event, providing litter pickers, gloves, high visibility jackets and refreshments.
Janine Devaney, Community Liaison Manager at Austin Heath, donned a high-vis jacket to take part herself.
“It’s a worthwhile event, which brings the whole community together,” said Janine. “Here at Austin Heath we know how important it is to look after our local area by keeping the streets clean and litter-free. It helps the whole Heathcote community to respect and care about where we live.
“What’s more, the litter-pick was a lot of fun! It gave me and the residents of Austin Heath the chance to meet new people while giving the streets a thorough ‘spring clean’ and getting some exercise, too.”
Keeping the local environment clean and tidy has far-reaching benefits.
According to the Government’s Litter Strategy for England, living in a littered environment makes people feel less safe in their communities.* This in turn affects people’s mental and physical health and creates further costs to local healthcare providers.
A poor-quality local environment may also discourage businesses from investing in an area.
Janine said: “A clean, healthy environment is good for everyone, from children to older people. The more respect we have for the area where we live, the more we can enjoy getting out and about, shopping and socialising.
“Health and wellness are at the core of everything Inspired Villages does, and keeping local streets litter-free can help improve the whole community’s wellbeing. It also creates a good impression for visitors from elsewhere in the UK and abroad, and can attract businesses to invest locally.
“Reverend Budd was delighted to have Inspired Villages’ support for the event, both in equipment and volunteers.”
Situated between Warwick and Leamington Spa, Austin Heath is a development of spacious later-living apartments where residents are eagerly awaiting the opening of the on-site clubhouse and wellness spa, scheduled for late spring. The new facilities, which will also be open to the local community, will feature a spa pool, sauna, steam room, treatment suite and relaxation spaces. Also opening soon will be a brasserie, garden room, library and beauty salon.
To find out more about Inspired Villages’ Austin Heath development and current availability, please visit: inspiredvillages.co.uk/village/austin-heath
