A TASK force committed to keeping the Burnham railway bridge clean is set to retire unless more volunteers come forward.

The Burnham Railway Bridge Task Force first formed in 2004 after residents saw the sorry state of the land near the bridge.

In the early 2000s the four grass embankments on either side of the bridge were overgrown, untidy and full of litter. The area was extremely unsightly for residents and visitors alike; it was seen as a poor introduction for those arriving at the railway station.

Some labelled it “disgraceful”, as it was the first impression of the town, whether one came by train or by road.

In 2004 a group came together as the Burnham Railway Bridge Task Force, formed by people who were interested in enhancing and improving the appearance of the railway bridge embankments, the station car park and the area surrounding the station.

During the last 14 years the group has planted and maintained more than 700 trees and shrubs, plus perennial border plants.

They also weeded, tidied up, litter picked and pruned as needed in the whole area around the bridge and station.

Members of the task force have contributed more than 7,600 hours, working by the station, on the embankments and in the part of Cedar Grove by the bridge.

However, due to the increasing age of many members, the group has decided the time has come to retire, and unless more volunteers step-up to help.

Sheila Nutt, the task force’s secretary, said: “The task force’s efforts to improve the local environment and the appearance of the entrance to the town via the station and the road over the bridge have been for the benefit of both residents and visitors to the town, who have often commented on the improvements, which have also been recognised by the railway company.

“At an Extraordinary General Meeting on June 27 it was decided that the group has fulfilled its purpose magnificently but unless volunteers come forward to form a new committee, the responsibility, including tools and funds, will be handed over to the town council’s environment officer Vanessa Bell.”

Ms Bell is now on the hunt for a new team of volunteers to help keep up the work of the task force to maintain bridge.

Anyone wanting to help should email cllr.vanessa.bell@burnhamoncrouchtowncouncil.gov.uk.