A DORCHESTER family have been waging war on litter in their neighbourhood after being appalled by the rubbish piling up in the town.

Dad Tony, mum Vicky and daughter Tiger-lily Lawford decided to take action after being shocked by the number of people dropping rubbish on the ground, streets and pavements in the county town.

The family had spent 10 years living in France and three years in Florida before moving back to Dorset.

Vicky said: “I can’t understand why people throw litter – it’s an insult to the environment in one of the most naturally beautiful areas of the country.”

Rubbish they encountered near their home in York Terrace included empty spirit bottles containing urine and bags of dog faeces – all in an area used regularly by children on their way to St Osmunds School.

Two years ago Vicky decided to set about clearing the area and – helped by her family and neighbours – they also redesigned the area opening on to Culliford Road with the help of a donation of £250-worth of plants from Groves Nursery in Bridport.

She also contacted West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin, who arranged for a delivery of chopped bark and West Dorset District Council provided a litter bin and signs warning against dog fouling.

The volunteers also carried out further weeding and contributions by neighbours as well as further support from Mr Letwin enabled gravel to be laid down.

In recognition for all their work, Vicky and Tiger-lily received a letter of commendation from Felicity McLaren of the Dorchester Stop the Drop anti- litter campaign.

Mrs McLaren also handed over tools to assist the family in their rubbish clearing with funding for the equipment provided by The Campaign to Protect Rural England and the Dorchester BID (Business Improvement District).

Vicky has now joined Stop the Drop and is happy to help other community groups with their efforts to clean up the town.

To get involved, contact the town council on 01305 266861 or admin@dorchester-tc.gov.uk and their name and phone number will be passed on to the Stop the Drop group.