IT MAY not have felt like spring, but freezing conditions didn't stop enthusiastic residents leaving their warm homes to give their village a clean at the weekend.
Enough was collected at the Ashtead Spring Clean on Saturday to fill 30 large bin bags, with rubbish taken from the village's streets, footpaths, alleyways and verges.
In previous years, items including a toilet, prams, and tyres have been found in the Ashtead Residents' Association-organised event, which has been taking place since 2004.
Organiser Clare Ansett said: "It went really well. The turn-out was great for the weather.
"On the whole we were really chuffed considering that it was so cold – it was tipping it down."
She continued: "We're certainly dedicated to cleaning up the village.
"It was also quite a pleasant litter-pick this year. There were no toilets or fridges.
"There were also no syringes or anything harmful, and we didn't find any new graffiti.
"We did find one petrol container but other than that it was a lot of plastic bottles, cans, and that sort of thing."
A similar event organised by Ewell Village Residents' Association for the same day had to be cancelled because of the poor weather conditions.
"We were really glad to be able to go ahead with the event and are very grateful to everyone who came to show their support," said Mrs Ansett. "There were a couple of families with young children. It would be nice in the future to see more younger people joining in."
Glynis Peterkin, Ashtead Residents' Association's public relations officer, added: "We managed to cover the majority of roads around Ashtead despite the atrocious weather.
"Huge thanks go to the team leaders, volunteers and the 1st Ashtead Pelham Scouts who helped with this year's clear up.
"In addition, a big thank you to Eddie Sheils of Red Cloud Recycling and Shaun Waddel, from Corporation of London, who helped with the collection of rubbish sacks.
"We would also like to thank The Candy Store in Stonny Croft for handing out water and snacks to our volunteers in that area."
