Rachel Dechezeaux

RACHEL Dechezeaux and husband, Mike, came to Askrigg eight years ago to enjoy the peace and beauty of the countryside. But the more they explored, the more they became upset at the state of the roads and lanes around the village: discarded drink cans, crisp packets, plastic waste and cigarette ends littered the area. So Rachel invested in a simple device: a litter-picker. Now, wherever she goes, she carries black bin liners which fill up all too quickly.
She covers the road from the village to Worton Bridge, Moor Road to the Millennium seat, and from Frank’s seat to Newbiggin. “It’s not just that it spoils the countryside, but it’s a danger to wildlife as well,” says Rachel. But what can be done? “Both adults and children drop the litter, so we can’t just blame the youngsters. But maybe adults could impress upon children the consequences of carelessness. And we could all take disposable gloves and a bag with us when we go out, and collect the litter as we go. After all, it works now for dog owners.”
We must be thankful for Rachel who, without fuss, keeps the areas she walks litter-free.

MaryRose Kearney