CREDIT where credit is due, there are some wonderful organisations, individuals, volunteers, groups of volunteers, homeowners and landowners which help to keep Crediton clean and tidy.

One of The Turning Tides Project team carrying out maintenance on one of the benches in the Town Square.
One of The Turning Tides Project team carrying out maintenance on one of the benches in the Town Square. (TTTP)

Many go about cleaning up the town quietly in their own time, some as volunteers in groups and others as individuals, some outside their own properties, some working directly with Mid Devon District Council and others with Crediton Town Council.

Sweeping leaves on steps in Crediton, one of the team from The Turning Tides Project.
Sweeping leaves on steps in Crediton, one of the team from The Turning Tides Project. (TTTP)

Crediton Town Council employs a group from The Turning Tides Project which completes many tasks around the town such a litter picking, cleaning the Town Square and caring for the tables which are so well used.

They can be seen cleaning around the Town and Hamlets War Memorial and pathways, sweeping up and generally providing some maintenance.

The group also tidies in Newcombes Meadow and other parts of Crediton.

One of TTTP helpers said: "You'll often see us walking around the town litter picking, moving benches, sweeping, and doing odd jobs to keep the area clean.

“It's a wonderful connection to have to the town and also helps us to take part in meaningful work.

“Our contract with the town council is a great example of how people and organisations can, and do, work together to benefit the community."

Some volunteer groups such as the Lions Club of Crediton and Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface and other organisations have been involved in tidying up areas of the town ahead of summer judging of the RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood competition.

These and other groups such as Sustainable Crediton care for gardens, flower beds and parks, for example.

Another group which cleans areas of the town on a voluntary basis are working parties from the political group, Independents for Crediton.

Outside Hayward’s Primary School before it was cleaned up by members of Independents for Crediton.
Outside Hayward’s Primary School before it was cleaned up by members of Independents for Crediton. (IFC)

Most recently, on New Year’s Day, IfC organised a small working party to clear weeds and dirt from outside Hayward’s Primary School on East Street, including around gates, railings and car parking spaces.

Spokesman Paul Vincent said: "It's only fair that children returning to school should see that their environment is cared for and looks nice.

“Overhanging trees and mud from passing vehicles can make this area pretty messy, so it's nice when it's cleaned once in a while."

Outside Hayward’s School entrance after it was cleaned by members of Independents for Crediton.
Outside Hayward’s School entrance after it was cleaned by members of Independents for Crediton. (IFC)

Independents for Crediton last cleared and tidied this location in the Autumn of 2022.

At the time of the King's Coronation last Spring, IfC organised a High Street Sweep! event to remove weeds and dirt along parts of Crediton High Street.

Some of the bags of waste awaiting removal, thanks to members of Independents for Crediton.
Some of the bags of waste awaiting removal, thanks to members of Independents for Crediton. (IFC)

A similar event in the autumn, at the suggestion of a local parent, was to prune and sweep the path and flight of steps, Cockles Lane, leading from Dean Street up to Park Street.

If you would like to volunteer to help clean up parts of Crediton, contact Crediton Town Clerk Rachel Avery by emailing: [email protected] .