Selfless volunteers who help clean up our streets

Community groups stretching across the city, including Heeley, Tinsley, Richmond to Firs Hill to name just a few, are some of the areas to benefit from such hard-working volunteers.

Armed with bin bags, hi-vis jackets and a trusty grabber, dozens set out in their spare time in all weathers scouring the streets in the war against litter.

The Sheffield Litter Pickers group on Facebook only has 134 members – but plenty of people are keen to update others on new events.

Pictures are posted regularly showcasing their amazing efforts in just a couple of hours of pounding the pavements and patrolling parks for crisp packets and fizzy drink cans.

Millie Guthrie, the education officer for Amey, the council contractor responsible for keeping the streets clean, praised the groups.

Millie said: “People are very quick to blame other people or people from a particular area of Sheffield.

“There is litter in all places – some more than others – but if everyone did their bit it would dramatically improve.

“You don’t have to be part of a big group to make a difference but obviously these groups do fantastic work.

“If everyone chipped in and did their bit Sheffield would see a huge change for the better.”

More than £4 million is spent in Sheffield every year picking up the mess left by inconsiderate people who drop everything from pizza boxes to chocolate bar wrappers.

The city council stresses this huge figure could be better invested in vital services for the people of Sheffield in times of austerity and budget cuts.

n To get involved in a litter pick in your area, search ‘Sheffield Litter Pickers on Facebook and contact one of the community organisers listed.