CINDERFORD Community Grabbers is the name taken by a group of young people – who have set themselves a target to clean up the town's streets of rubbish and litter.

The voluntary group of 11 to 17-year-olds came together after they met with Gloucestershire Constabulary's PCSO Sue Pritchard, and told her that they felt that the area had been 'let down' by rubbish being dumped. They pointed out that this was particularly bad in children's play areas – and they have vowed to clear it up.

Since their inception, they have been out with PCSO Pritchard clearing up the play area at Hopewell, as well as the open grassed areas at Latimer Road, Edge Hills Road and the community centre in Hopewell.

In addition, they have spent time clearing rubbish and litter from Fairfield's playing fields on Valley Road.

While the majority of material they have collected has been empty food wrappings, cans and bottles, the group has now started a competition among themselves to see who can find the most bizarre item. So far contenders for the prize have included hanging baskets, car tyres and parts of a push along scooter. Cinderford Town Council has helped the group by disposing of an old TV, damaged garden furniture and other items that the Grabbers have grabbed from Fairfield's playing fields.

The local community is reported to be 'very encouraging' to the Grabbers and their stand on litter and rubbish tipping. The group's message to other young people of the town is plain: "Please kindly discard your rubbish carefully, so that other children are safe when they are out playing."