Ex-trucker gets fit by cleaning up his district
DETERMINED to clear up where he lives and get healthy in the process, a Gloucester man has collected a staggering 180 bags of rubbish over nine weeks.
Retired trucker Alan Platt, 63, has found all sorts on his litter picks in the Tredworth area of the city.
He has enjoyed clearing up the surrounding areas and does not plan to stop any time soon.
Mr Platt said: “I am doing this to lose some weight and I have seen that the litter picks really have cheered some people up.
“It has been lovely to have all the people of Barton come and talk to me and say thank you.
“I have joined the volunteers group at the council but there is always so much to collect.”
Alan had a heart attack a few years ago and was told he should aim to lose a bit of weight and he has.
Mr Platt said: “When I started the litter picks I was 18 stone and now I am 16 stone three. I am looking to lose another stone now to get really fit. “I have been all around the area. “I have found knives that were hidden and a ground-down screwdriver which I handed in to the police.”
Mr Platt has collected rubbish on housing estates, local parks and fields.
One area that seems to be a particular problem is Vauxhall Road.
Barton and Tredworth councillor Usman Bhaimia said: “It is great to this gentleman is doing this free of cost for the community.
“He is doing such a beautiful job keeping the whole area clear.
“The council and other councillors need to do more though as well.
“You can see rubbish piling up every day. My worry is the health issues concerning the community.”