Llandudno volunteers hailed heroes for keeping town clean

The dedicated members of Friends of Mostyn Street (FOMS) & FOMS Kidz in Llandudno say local government budget constraints mean residents and business owners themselves have to step up if they want to keep their communities clean and safe. 

And that “can do” attitude has seen the group seal a £1,000 grant from a Community Fund Initiative established by Go North Wales tourism group and holiday homes specialists holidaycottages.co.uk. 

Members of FOMS come together at least once a week to improve the town. 

They litter-pick, sweep, clean, rub down railings, clear gutters, and weed pavements and side streets while chatting, laughing and supporting each other. 

The group will spend its £1,000 of support from the Community Funding Initiative on buying a mobile jet wash to help keep the streets clean.

The money will also be used to buy replacement cleaning equipment, and to support members of its youth arm FOMS Kidz. 

Gini Rivers, a founding member of FOMS, said the group was a “boots on the ground” organisation determined to ensure Llandudno continues to sparkle for tourists and residents alike in the face of council budget pressures. 

Gini said: “We believe and spread the mantra of ‘grafting not whingeing’ because arguing about who is responsible still leaves a job that needs doing.  

“We are passionate about what we are doing and frankly there’s nobody else out there, there is no alternative. But we do enjoy it, we do our best to uplift the town and the community. 

“And importantly, it’s working. You only learn through trial and error and what we have been doing is working for the community.” 

Jim Jones, managing director of North Wales Tourism, said: “It has been a real pleasure to partner with Holiday Cottages to roll out this community fund, one of a number of projects we are running as part of the strategic partnerships we have established for 2024.  

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“The response to the call for entries exceeded our expectations, with an overwhelming number of submissions showcasing the exemplary work and dedication of organisations across our communities in North Wales. “

Serena Pearce, regional communities manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, said: “The level of passion and dedication shown by all the applicants was truly inspiring, making the selection process a challenging one.

“I applaud the incredible work being done by local organisations and community groups to improve the region.

“Through these grants, we hope to contribute to meaningful initiatives that preserve North Wales's unique culture and environment, benefiting both residents and visitors for years to come.” 

Jim Jones, managing director of North Wales Tourism, said: “It has been a real pleasure to partner with Holiday Cottages to roll out this community fund, one of a number of projects we are running as part of the strategic partnerships we have established for 2024.  

“The response to the call for entries exceeded our expectations, with an overwhelming number of submissions showcasing the exemplary work and dedication of organisations across our communities in North Wales. “

FOMS chair Claire McElroy said the weekly clean-ups had not just helped in keeping Llandudno tidy, but also forged a fantastic community spirit. 

She said: “We have a wide range of people that come, from all walks of life. We all love living in Llandudno and we all want to do our bit, we’re all grafters.

“It’s a really good social opportunity as well. We all enjoy getting together, getting to know each other, and making a difference.

“And all of this is a great message to give to tourists, it shows we care about our town and we’re proud of Llandudno.” 

Gini added: “With budget cuts for local authorities, many resorts risk bad reviews and poor perception from visitors and residents. FOMS has banded together in Llandudno with a further 13 local Friends groups to form a federation. 

“We share knowledge, contacts, resources and opportunities. It is all with the common aim of making our town a flagship for the clean, safe, nature positive and opportunity rich environment we all want to live in, work in and visit.

“When out and about cleaning every Wednesday evening in our red tabards, we are often thanked for our efforts. Visitors comment how clean it is and how they wish we would do the same for their town.”