MORE than a third of people in Britain have resorted to picking up litter themselves, in a bid to try to keep their local area tidy.

Research commissioned by cheese brand Pilgrims Choice reveals more than half of Brits are seriously concerned about the amount of rubbish and litter where they live, with a third claiming it is the worst it has ever been.

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In Bicester, resident Jamie Jessett decided to start picking up litter himself when he noticed rubbish accumulating in areas of the town.

He set up Bicester Litter Pickers voluntary group before the pandemic, but says areas are still looking bad and is in need of more volunteers.

He said: "I am still finding that most areas are still looking awful as I go for my walks to observe but it’s hard to really pin point as it’s mainly me doing solo outings at the moment.

"The number of volunteers taking part in the outings have decreased rapidly.

Oxford Mail:

"I am really staying hopeful and patient that I can pick up the numbers to come out with me especially towards the end of the year as the lockdowns have cleared."

Nearly eight in ten (79 per cent) regularly see other people leaving rubbish behind and almost three quarters (74 per cent) say they can’t bear to watch litter being dropped.

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Mr Jessett has recently started another litter picking group in Banbury.

He added: "I even created the Banbury Litter Picking Voluntary Group a few months back and they have been absolutely amazing, they have been going out everyday.

Oxford Mail:

"Consistent members going out. I have other members helping to run it which is wonderful."

Takeaway wrappers scattered around park benches, the wrong bin being used for rubbish disposal, overflowing bins with rubbish strewn around them and recyclable items thrown away are common sights, according to the study.

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