SUPPORTERS of Reform UK have carried out a litter pick in Rockwell Green to ‘expose serious neglect’ of community services.

The team, which included Wellington branch chairman Robert Holland, started from the Oaken Ground children’s play area and moved through surrounding streets, uncovering a ‘deeply concerning’ issue.

Members were joined by Andy Denison, the party’s candidate for an upcoming town council by-election, and collected a ‘significant amount of rubbish’.

Mr Denison said the amount of litter was ‘unacceptable’ and a clear sign that Rockwell Green ‘has been left behind’.

He said: “No parent should have to bring their child to a play area littered with rubbish.

“This is supposed to be a safe, welcoming space for children, yet it has been left in a disgraceful state.

“And the surrounding area was not much better.

“Our community deserves far better than this.”

Mr Denison said Rockwell Green residents had long raised concerns about litter and declining standards of upkeep in the community despite some local councillors claiming there was not a litter problem.

He said the litter pick result was clear evidence to the contrary, in addition to past cuts in street cleaning services.

Mr Denison said: “We have no street cleaning services here in Rockwell Green.

“People here are tired of being ignored.

“When councillors have previously stated there is no litter problem here in Rockwell Green while families are walking through parks and areas full of rubbish, it shows just how out of touch they have become.

“Rockwell Green has been overlooked for far too long, they do not appear to care for our community.

“I will not sit quietly while this community is neglected.

“I will be vocal, persistent, and unrelenting in demanding the services Rockwell Green is owed.

“Residents deserve council representatives who listen, respond, and take pride in this area, not dismiss their concerns.”

• Also standing in the election for Rockwell Green councillor are: Bethany Rose Hill, Labour Party; George Western, Liberal Democrats; Edward Yates, Conservative Party. Voting for the election will take place on Tuesday, February 10, between 7 am and 10 pm.