MORE than 25 volunteers took part in the ‘A38 Community Clean-Up’ between Taunton and Wellington on Saturday, February 28.

Local residents, members of the Somerset Bus Partnership, Transition Town Wellington, and volunteers from the Liberal Democrat Community Action Team united to take “positive action for the community”.

It was organised by Jacob Bell, a local university student who has been undertaking a placement year with MP Gideon Amos.

Jacob said he was “elated” by the response to the clean-up and privileged to have brought people together for the event.

He said: “The idea was inspired by ongoing efforts to improve public transport, which I have been working on with the Somerset Bus Partnership as part of my placement year with Gideon.

“Bus shelters are notoriously dirty and unappealing, so the busy route along the A38 between Taunton and Wellington seemed like a good place to improve accessibility.”

Mr Amos joined the clean-up and said he was “delighted” with Jacob’s efforts to bring people together and take positive action.

He said: “It was fantastic to be a part of such a great community effort. Jacob put a lot into getting the word out about the clean-up, so to have more than 20 people joining in was great.

“I know how important our public spaces are, including bus shelters, so it is disappointing that they’re affected by litter and graffiti.

“I hope these efforts will inspire others to take pride in where we live and to look after our surroundings.”

First Bus provided transport for the volunteers in one of their electric buses.

A spokesperson for First Bus added: “We recognise the importance of community and volunteer groups within Somerset.

“Having 25 volunteers clean and tidy bus stops, shelters and the surrounding landscape benefits all and we were happy to support the day with transportation."