AN ENVIRONMENTAL group in Newport took matters into their own hands at the weekend to make sure their city was presentable ahead of the FA Cup match.

Pride in Pill (PIP) is a voluntary group, recently awarded MBE status, which works alongside the local community to organise litter picks and homeless outreach.

The group responded to reports of litter under the A4042 overpass path close to the former Sainsbury’s site near the city centre, an area often used by the city’s homeless community.

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Working throughout Friday night, from around 9pm until the early hours of Saturday morning, the group cleared many bags of rubbish and filled a medical waste container with used needles.

A spokesperson for the group, Paul Murphy, said that they had informed Newport City Council of the situation but had subsequently decided to take matters into their own hands to clean up the area.

The job turned out to be larger than expected, as Mr Murphy went on to describe how one of the tents which had formerly been used by the homeless community was discovered to be filled with rubbish.

Mr Murphy said: “Homelessness is a hot topic in our city at the moment.

“Homeless people don’t have a bin collection once a fortnight.

“We regularly tidy up for them or supply them with black bags to tidy up their areas and most are very grateful.”

With the eyes of the footballing world turned towards Rodney Parade, the members of PIP were determined to make sure their city looked its best ahead of the historic cup clash.

“It was a big weekend for our city with Newport County playing Man City in the FA Cup.

“We wanted it to look it’s best.

“It would look bad on the city, all this rubbish lying around during special events like the FA Cup.”

PIP also helped to empty the bins in Pill Park this weekend after receiving reports of litter piling up.

The group’s work has gone down well in the community.

Mr Murphy added: “We’ve received lots of positive comments from people.

“It goes to show that people take pride in their community.”

For additional information about Pride In Pill and the work they help to carry out, search Pride In Pill on Facebook.