A COMMUNITY group set up to help those worst hit by the Covid-19 crisis is now turning its hand to keeping the area clean and tidy thanks to a donation from Skipton Building Society.

Skipton Step Into Action (SSIA) was set up in response to the pandemic, with the aim of ensuring those who are self-isolating due to age or health issues, and who don’t have anybody else to call upon, have somebody who can deliver shopping and supplies and also collect prescriptions. The group has the support of Craven District Council and North Yorkshire County Council.

Now members have decided to go out litter picking one evening each week and a £250 donation from Skipton Building Society is being used to a quantity of litter pickers. When normal life resumes, and volunteers go back to their usual work and lives, the items will either be recycled or donated to a suitable group or cause.

Pete Riley, one of the Skipton Step into Action co-ordinators, said: “SSIA was set up primarily to shop and collect prescriptions for isolated people, but has now started to consider how it might expand its operation, such as into litter picking and potentially other activities. We have 332 volunteers supporting 480 people in the community at present.

“I’d like to thank Skipton Building Society for its generous donation which will help make the town and immediate area a cleaner and safer place in which to live.

“Anybody who wants to use the service should call 01609 780 780 between 9am and 5.30pm, Monday-Friday.”