Take pride in your patch - new community event

Families across Carmarthenshire are being given the chance of doing something good for their community, and get rewarded for their efforts.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Community Engagement Team, part of Housing Services, have organised a series of litter picks and are encouraging local people to get involved.
In return for cleaning up their communities, volunteers will earn Time Credits, which they can save and spend on a host of local and national leisure or educational activities.
The first event takes place tomorrow at Trimsaran - villagers are being asked to meet at the leisure centre at 10am to get kitted up ready for a litter pick, arranged as part of the council’s Pride In Your Patch project.
Further litter picks are arranged for Friday September 12 at Park Hall woodland, Carmarthen; Tuesday September 16 at Dwyfor growing spaces, Llwynhendy; and Saturday September 20 at Carway Hall – all starting at 10am.
The Pride In Your Patch project was developed as part of the council’s Carmarthenshire Homes Standard programme, which will see around £220million invested in council homes, gardens and communities by 2015.
The Pride In Your Patch element involves works to tenants’ gardens, including new pathways and safety railings, and encourages tenants to love their gardens and outdoor spaces whilst giving them the opportunity to join up with building contractors to gain work experience in ground works.
In the community, tenants are being supported to create allotment spaces and shared garden areas, as well as litter picks to tidy up their neighbourhoods and instil civic pride.
Executive Board Member for Housing, Cllr Tegwen Devichand, said: “The Carmarthenshire Homes Standard is not just about regenerating homes – it has so many extra benefits, including health and well-being; creating safe, attractive and sustainable communities; and creating training and employment opportunities.
“Pride In Your Patch encourages people to enjoy their own gardens and join with their neighbours to make the most of their communities.”
Want to get involved, or need to know more? Call 01554 784608 or email prideinyourpatch@carmarthenshire.gov.uk