A sense of community pride! Over 60 bags collected at the joint Big Local and HAGS Autumn Clean Up Day

By Taz Virdee

Heston Action Group and Heston West Big Local stand united together before the community clean up at Cranford.

Heston West Big Local teamed up with Heston Action Group to clean up the Brabazon Estate, Henley’s Alley, Redwood Estate and Harlech Gardens on Sunday 18th November 2018. Around 55 enthusiastic volunteers joined us on the day, with many families and children helping make a real positive and profound difference to the community. The volunteer met up at Cranford Community College at 11am and after a brief safety and introduction talk by Taz Virdee, we headed towards the estates. We returned around 1pm, feeling proud of our efforts and enjoyed an amazing lunch prepared by the Big Local volunteers.

"Everyone bonded over their drive and passion to make their own little change..."

​Juhi Kumra, 17, involved with the Big Local for over 3 years said: "The clean up day was truly a success! Watching all the participants clean up the community with such dedication, regardless of their age or background, was truly inspiring! Everyone bonded over their drive and passion to make their own little change. We can only go upwards from here and have the ENTIRE community clean up with us - make our small change a big one.”

In addition, committee member Debbie Noad added: “There was a sense of pride with the clean-up, everyone was united to make the area look better, this task provided a feel good factor, fresh air, exercise and a wonderful community spirit.”

"It's a strong message to the community that we do care.”

Mar Peláez-Muñoz, from Heston Action Group (HAGS) said: “Fly tipping and littering is a serious problem in many communities. It was fantastic to see so many people join together to tackle these problems in Heston with over 55 volunteers clearing up 60+ bags of rubbish. It's a strong message to the community that we do care.”
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Youth Action Team and MADE in HESTON WEST Member Serena Lola, 16, added: “Our clean day up day yesterday was a fun and exciting way to meet new people whilst helping the community! We picked up large amounts of litter and as gross as it sounds it was actually a great time! I hope we can do it again.”

"...able to interact with people from different generations was so fun..."

​Committee and Youth Action Team Member Layba Nisar, 14, concluded: “The clean up day was such a fun day! Being able to interact with people from different generations was so fun and I would definitely want to attend many more clean up days!!! Thank you both Heston West Big Local and Heston Action Group!

​A massive thanks to all our incredible volunteers, without their support and love we couldn't have achieved so much. We would also like to thank Hounslow Highways for providing the litter pickers, bags and gloves. We would also like to thanks everyone at HAGS for helping organise a successful community clean up. Their enthusiasm, dedication and passion to help the community is awe-inspiring. 

For more information about Heston Action Group and to get involved please click here to visit their Facebook page or contact Mar Peláez-Muñoz on [email protected]