Keeping Market Drayton looking its best is something many residents care deeply about – and community litter picks are proving to be one of the simplest and most effective ways to do just that. At the heart of this effort is the Mayor of Market Drayton, Cllr Tim Manton, who is leading by example with his own community litter pick in the town centre.
We caught up with the Mayor to find out why this issue matters so much to him and why he believes community action is so important.
As Mayor, Tim is passionate about taking pride in Market Drayton and encouraging others to do the same. He explained:
“We have a wonderful Town here in Market Drayton but one of the biggest complaints is litter, we’ve tried and tried to get Shropshire Council to take on their responsibilities but to no avail. Therefore, sometimes, you just have to step up and get it done yourselves!”
For Tim, organising the Mayor’s litter pick is about much more than clearing rubbish. It’s about bringing people together and strengthening community spirit:
“I can think of no better community spirited thing to do than get a group of people together and go litter picking”
The impact of seeing the town looking cleaner is hugely rewarding:
“Making our Town look spick & span is the greatest feeling ever!”
The Mayor also highlights the wellbeing benefits, pointing out that litter picking is an easy and enjoyable way to stay active:
“Litter picking is a very relaxed way of getting exercise, it certainly gets our daily steps up!”
But perhaps most importantly, the Mayor sees these events as a way to connect people who might otherwise feel isolated:
“Anything that gets people together who may otherwise be on their own is a wonderful thing”
Looking to the future, Tim has big ambitions to grow the Mayor’s community litter pick into a regular and town-wide event:
“I want to expand the litter pick and make it a regular thing, eventually I’d like to do ‘The Mayors Great Litter Pick’. A Town wide event where I can get local businesses to sponsor each bag of rubbish we collect with all proceeds going to charity”
Join the Mayor’s Community Litter Pick
The Mayor is inviting residents, families, community groups, and local businesses to join his community litter pick and help tidy up Market Drayton town centre.
When: Sunday 4th January 2026, 12 noon till 2pm
Where: Meet outside Market Drayton Town Hall
Supplies: Litter pickers and bin bags will be provided, but feel free to bring your own
It’s a relaxed, friendly event and a great opportunity to meet the Mayor, work alongside fellow residents, and make a positive difference to the town.
Want to Organise a Litter Pick for Your Group?
Community litter picks are a fantastic activity for schools, clubs, churches, businesses, and neighbourhood groups. If your group would like support or publicity to organise a litter pick of your own in Market Drayton, let us know and we’ll be happy to help share the details and encourage others to get involved.
Together, with the Mayor leading the way, we can keep Market Drayton looking great and strengthen the community at the same time
