A BAND of volunteers were completely overwhelmed with the junk they had to shift from a Weymouth estate.

A group of helpers had rallied round after the Waterside Weymouth Community Forum - the community group supporting the Park District - announced a clean-up of the area.

Weymouth and Portland Mayor Doug Hollings, whose clean-up campaign is being well supported across the borough, went along with his brush to lend support.

Councillor Hollings told how he admired the efforts of the community group and how their actions epitomised what he felt his campaign was all about.

The forum, working in partnership with Weymouth and Sherborne Recycling Services, had offered to collect bulky items from homes and told residents to leave anything they didn't want outside.

But what forum chairman Ken Whatley thought would be a two-hour job instead turned into an all-day marathon shifting everything from washing machines to beds, tables and chairs.

"It was unbelievable. We couldn't shift it quick enough," said Mr Whatley.

He added: "We had a great response but there weren't enough volunteers to help clear the rubbish.

"The recycling lorry took away three loads and we are indebted to Weymouth and Sherborne Recycling Services for their co-operation.

"We could have shifted a lot more but we just couldn't cope."

The clean-up was the fourth to happen in the Park District.

Fly-tipping can be a problem in the area and the network of alleyways makes it easier for people to discard rubbish discreetly. A normal household refuse collection is made weekly and residents have access to a recycling centre in Stanley Street for the disposal of paper, glass and cans.

It is open from 10am to noon from Monday to Saturday and a key can be obtained from the Resource Centre a few yards away.

Park District residents are now being urged to play their part by keeping the alleyways clear in the future.

It is also highly recommended that householders put out their rubbish at the last minute before the dustbin lorry arrives.

Rubbish which is left out for days tends to attract seagulls, cats and foxes who come along and rip open the bags and then scatter the contents in the street.