Julian Knight, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Solihull and his fiancé Philippa Harrison joined forces with local residents in a drive to clean up Shirley town centre. On the warmest day of the year Julian and the team of volunteers, donned their marigolds and set about pruning hedges, picking up litter, weeding around Shirley library and washing signs and railings on the Stratford road.
The clean-up operation which took place on Saturday was supported by local businesses and welcomed by shoppers and Shirley residents.
Julian Knight said: “It was great to see so many people willing to give up their time on what was a sweltering summer morning to make Shirley spick and span.
“It was gratifying that many shoppers stopped and said thanks to the volunteers giving up their time. The whole day highlights what the fantastic community spirit that Shirley is rightly famous for.”
“I have though made a rod for my own back as Philippa teased me when she saw me pulling up weeds that I ought try and spend more time working in the garden in my home in Olton.”
The clean-up Shirley day was organised as part of Pride in your town day. Volunteers met at the entrance to Shirley park on the Stratford Park at 10.30 am on Saturday 6th July.
After all the hard work, volunteers were able to relax with a nice cuppa supplied by the Queen of Hearts café in Shirley.