THE importance of students working with local residents to keep the streets and beaches of Aberystwyth tidy was stressed this week by a seasoned litter campaigner.

Aberystwyth beach cleaner and university staff member Chris Woodfield told the Cambrian News about what motivates him and others to clean up after other people, and how he is encouraging students to be responsible citizens through his work with Aberystwyth Beach Buddies and the Aberystwyth University Coast Care Group.

Chris came to Aberystwyth to study for a Bsc in Environmental Earth Science and now works for the university in Residences Life Sustainability - Campus Services while he studies towards a masters in sustainability and adaptation at the Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth.

“When I was in the third year, I set up a beach-cleaning group, which is when I met Sian Obermaier of Aber Beach Buddies, and our groups kind of coalesced,” said Chris.

“It is great when you get people working together, for example, a first-year student and a retired person.

“And then there’s being part of keeping the place looking beautiful — I know the impact of rubbish and plastics, I have studied it.

“For me, it is just the sort of person I am — I think it is an opportunity to pick up rubbish, to meet new people and enjoy their company, to learn new things, and it is also an opportunity to galvanise the community.”

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