MORE than 50 bags of rubbish and weeds were removed from Exeter streets by volunteers from the business community.
Volunteers from McDonald's, Princesshay and the Guildhall Shopping Centre, and joined by the Lord Mayor Councillor Percy Prowse, set to with a will to make sure that the city was looking its best for the arrival of the Britain in Bloom judges this week.
The teams concentrated on the St David's and St James. David Shawyer, franchisee of McDonald's, said: "My team and I were delighted with the impact we had, the area was really transformed.
"We are always keen to help with events in our local community, and it's great when local businesses are able work together to make a difference."
John Harvey, the city centre manager, has also since praised the work that was done.
Mr Harvey said: "Obviously there's more that could be done but there was a lot of hard work done and we are ever so grateful to the businesses for making staff available to the city.
"People worked really hard and laid a foundation for more work with businesses playing their part in joining up with the city council to make sure that the city is an even more special place for residents and visitors alike. We need to make sure that we develop this partnership of working closely together to ensure that we make the most of what is a fabulous city."
Cuts to Devon County Council's budget has meant a reduction in weed pulling and spraying with the result that weeds have proliferated right across the city.
The idea for the weed pull came from Louise Harvey, Exeter's Street Scene manager, who said her inspiration was the recent D-Day commemorations as she got to thinking that everyone could do a bit more for themselves. An appeal was sent out in Exeter Chamber of Commerce's weekly newsletter and responding with alacrity was Mr Shawyer. He got together with Mr Harvey to drum up more support.
The weed pull took place on Monday, the day before parts of the city were due to be visited by the Britain in Bloom judges.
The results of the judging will not be known until September.
