IT’S not often the community thanks their town council – but that is exactly what happened in Verwood last month.

On April 29, eco group Verwoodians on Waste (VoW) presented an award to staff and councillors at Verwood Town Council (VTC) in recognition of their support in helping create a plastic and litter-free environment.

Presenting the award to the Mayor, Rev Julian Macro, chair of VoW Anita Rigler said: “VoW exists to gently encourage local people to make affordable and easy plastic free and lifestyle changes in order to help reduce global warming.

“But it is team work. We need everyone working towards reducing their carbon footprint. Since our inception seven years ago, the town council have excelled at supporting this aim.”

Earlier this year, the town council took on the responsibility to provide a medicine blister pack recycling facility.

The loss of this waste stream by VoW was felt by many people, keen to recycle this difficult waste.

And vice chair Peter Timothy, passionate about keeping Verwood’s main roads litter free, said the initial purchase of high visibility safety wear by the town council had been invaluable.

“We have recently cleared the Verwood to Ringwood Road and would not attempt this stretch without the correct equipment,” he said.

“We receive a great deal of praise from members for attempting to keep our verges clear and our wildlife safe.”

The Mayor and Cllr Simon Gibson expressed their gratitude for the award and for recognising their commitment in supporting local community groups to achieve their goal.