People living in Walderslade are being asked to pull on their gloves and wellies to help tidy up the village.

Volunteers are needed for the clean-up campaign, called Bash the Trash, from 10am to noon on Saturday, 17 January.

They should meet at Tunbury Hall in Catkin Close, Walderslade at 10am. Volunteers should wear suitable clothes and footwear and litter picking equipment will be provided.

The campaign is organised by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, but the Walderslade event is co-ordinated by Medway Council and Maidstone Borough Council, which parts of Walderslade all fall within. Kent Police and residents’ groups will also be taking part.

Generally Walderslade is a clean and tidy village, but there are a few areas which have become a target for littering.

This latest Bash the Trash effort aims to tidy the village by clearing litter from streets and hedgerows in and around the village and open space areas such as Taddington Valley, Tunbury recreation ground, Walderslade Woods and the park in Princes Avenue.

Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Enforcement Cllr Rehman Chishti said: “Bash the Trash is a great way to ensure the beautiful village of Walderslade is kept clean and tidy.

“The service aims to help the community to improve its environment and gives the three authorities the chance to work together.”

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s Environmental Enforcement Officer Beverley Golding said: “Walderslade is a beautiful area, which is unfortunately being mistreated by a few irresponsible people. Littering is an offence - it not only looks awful but is dangerous to the environment. We hope that local people will turn up on the day to help give their village a spring clean.”

Police Community Support Officer for Walderslade and Blue Bell Hill David Gillham added: “We hope that by targeting litter-prone areas of the village in this way and returning the area to a clean and tidy state, it will encourage local people to keep it that way.”