A MAYOR is calling on fellow residents to help keep Wantage beautiful after ongoing issues with people dropping litter, chewing gum and cigarette ends.

Steve Trinder joined a community litter pick on Sunday, part of the Great British Spring Clean, to target some of the worst affected areas of the town.

Mr Trinder had made it one of his goals to make Wantage tidier when he took on the position in May 2016.

He said that the installation of new litter bins in strategic locations and the refurbishment of notice boards and benches was making a big difference to the overall look of the town.

But the ongoing 'inconsiderate' problems with litter dropping in Market Square were causing issues.

He now wants people to join in with one of the regular litter picks or take matters into their own hands and pick up any rubbish that they find.

He said: "The council staff do a great job trying to keep our Market Square clean, but we have ongoing issues.

"We now need to work together to keep our town beautiful.

"Why not take a walk up your street and collect any rubbish you may find?

"It only takes a few minutes, but improves the look of the Town immeasurably.

"I hope that by setting a good example we can change the mindset of those who just don’t get it.

"We are all aware of the problem with plastics in our oceans, and this initiative will stop some of those harmful products from reaching them.

The next event, organised by local resident Claire White, will be on Sunday July 1 with people meeting at 10am at the Beacon.