STOP The Drop - that was the plea from the many campaigners who spent the weekend clearing up other people's rubbish across Norfolk, including Watton.As part of the Campaign to Protect Rural England's (CPRE) national anti-litter movement, the local branch held a Clean Up Norfolk weekend.

STOP The Drop - that was the plea from the many campaigners who spent the weekend clearing up other people's rubbish across Norfolk, including Watton.

As part of the Campaign to Protect Rural England's (CPRE) national anti-litter movement, the local branch held a Clean Up Norfolk weekend.

Many groups were out in force on Saturday despite the pouring rain.

Sally Beevor, from the litter campaign team, was part of a group at Threxton Road Industrial Estate at Watton, which has become a focus for fly-tipping and general rubbish.

“If you litter pick on your own it can be rather depressing but when you are part of a team it feels great, even in the rain. We made a big difference in the hour and a half we spent litter picking,” she said.

They collected bags of plastic, sweet wrappers and cans while some bigger items were left for the district council to pick up.

“I would like to see if people notice when they come back to work,” added Ms Beevor.

“I do think the county as a whole is looking better. I was driving along the A11 and it was completely clear of litter. Councils seem to be doing much more.”

Stop the Drop is an ambitious three-year campaign highlighting the way litter and fly-tipping spoil the countryside and to press for action by the bodies responsible for tackling the problem.

James Frost, director of CPRE Norfolk, said: “We send our thanks to all those who took part and hope the Clean Up Norfolk weekend spurs people into action on a regular basis.

“It is vital that regular litter picks take place and parishes have well-established groups committed to this task. It is also necessary to ensure that councils are funded to supply equipment to these groups as well as actively fulfilling their own role in combating litter and fly-tipping.

“CPRE are working on a programme of activities to take our Stop the Drop campaign forward in Norfolk. Through our activities, and those of like minded individuals, we hope to make a real difference to this unsightly problem.”

In partnership with CleanupUK the CPRE has set up a website - www.litteraction.org.uk - where you can join an existing group or set up a new one.