Bike and double-glazed windows among bag-loads of rubbish cleared from Storrington beauty spot

People from the Storrington area joined with Horsham District Council’s Storrington Neighbourhood Wardens over a two day period to clear the waste from Storrington Mill Pond.

The Neighbourhood Wardens wanted to clear the area of all the rubbish that had been discarded in the pond and its surrounding area and sought the assistance of the West Sussex County Council (WSCC) Community Volunteer team and local resident volunteers to undertake the huge task, Horsham District Council said. Some volunteers donned waders and collected rubbish from the pond itself, while others assisted with clearing the banks and paths.

Chris Poore, one of Storrington’s Neighbourhood Wardens, said: “We wanted to clear the Mill Pond of rubbish and having liaised with WSCC, the Environment Agency and Horsham District Council, we put out a plea for help via social media and the response was amazing.

“We cleared about a dozen bags of rubbish - mainly bottles and cans that had been thrown into the pond. We even fished out a bike and some double glazed windows!

“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who helped out. It’s made such a big difference.”

Cllr Tricia Youtan, Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Community Matters and Wellbeing, added: “It’s good to hear about local people joining with the wardens to clear up a local area as well-loved as the Mill Pond.

“I hope those who have thrown litter there in the past, now think twice about ruining such a lovely spot.”