STOP THE GROT!

THEY are the hardworking, unpaid litter-busting volunteers determined to improve and clean up West Midlands’ grot spots.

- NAOMI DESOUZA News Reporter

Groups across the region are quietly scrubbing, clearing and tidying up their local spaces.

The litter busters, some of whom operate alone, have been cleaning up areas in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands to make a difference to their community - which in turn has gained thousands of online views as they share their exploits.

Some of the groups say they are doing the jobs that councils should be doing, others work with the authorities and local litter groups, but tackle long neglected places like grubby street signs and children’s parks.

We've taken a look at just some of the groups and individuals making a difference - all determined in their pursuit to clean up streets across the region.

Brum X

Alan Webb is dedicated to keeping Digbeth’s streets clean.

He initially began cleaning them in 2023 after growing fed up with the litter outside his home and joined the Friends of Bradford Street volunteer group.

Now, every day Alan Webb dedicates an hour of his time to picking up strewn litter, sweeping away broken glass and scrubbing off graffiti tags in Birmingham's public spaces.

Alan goes by the handle @x_brum on X, formerly Twitter, and gets thousands of views and reactions.