VOLUNTEER litter pickers say they were shocked at the "disgusting state" of a main through route near Merry Hill shopping centre which they've been out to clean up twice in recent weeks.

Dedicated members of TidyStourbridge have been extending their remit and trying to bring clean-up efforts to neighbouring Brierley Hill but they couldn't believe their eyes at the state of The Gateway near Merry Hill.

Volunteer Roger Kendrick said: "We only cleared this area four weeks ago and were shocked when we went back there on September 18 to tackle another part of Merry Hill and the area we’d previous cleared was worse than when we’d cleared it on August 16."

He said hard-working members of the group, which has been cleaning the streets of Stourbridge and beyond for the last few years, were gobsmacked at the "disgusting state some of our residents are leaving this area in".

Mr Kendrick is now hoping community-minded people concerned at the sight of snaps taken by the group before the clean-ups may be inspired to pop along and lend a hand at one of TidyStourbridge's forthcoming autumn/winter litter picks.

The next will take place in the Trinity Road area of Amblecote, Stourbridge, on Sunday October 9; and Talbots Lane, Brierley Hill, on Sunday October 23.

Both clean-ups start at 10am and all equipment will be provided for volunteers.

For details about TidyStourbridge check out www.tidystourbridge.wordpress.com