A GLOWING tribute was paid to more than 60 Street Pride volunteers when they met at the Boathouse in Wisbech to celebrate another successful year and start making plans for the future.

Sandra Claxton, Fenland District Council’s chief executive, hailed the big strides the scheme had made over the past six years.

“Since it was set up in 2005, an amazing 480 clean-up events have taken place and at the last count there were over 150 volunteers regularly taking part in local events,” she said.

Thanking all the volunteers for their hard work and dedication, she added: “The results really have been outstanding and are a real credit to every one of you.”

There were now seven separate Street Pride groups and the scheme had also acted as the springboard for other initiatives such as the Friends of March Railway Station and the Friends of West End Park, Ms Claxton said.

Groups had also worked in partnership with other organisations, including Network Rail, Delfland Nurseries, FACET and the probation service.

She also underlined Street Pride’s work in schools, including Thomas Clarkson and Neale-Wade Community Colleges, Wisbech Grammar School and Payne Primary School: “One of the key messages behind the scheme is the education of schoolchildren on keeping our streets and parks clean and litter-free.”

Representatives from each of the groups present at the event were presented with certificates marking their achievements.