Young Community Heroes Making a Big Difference in the South Cotswolds

Two young residents from the South Cotswolds – Heather Kent from Fairford and Ben Thornbury from Malmesbury – travelled to Westminster this week, where local MP Roz Savage recognised their outstanding contributions to community life with formal tributes in Parliament. 

On Tuesday 22nd April, 17-year-old Heather received an Early Day Motion certificate celebrating her inspiring campaign – “A Bag a Day Keeps Litter Away.” Heather launched the initiative during Lent, going out each day to pick up litter and encouraging others to take pride in their local surroundings. Her campaign quickly gathered momentum, becoming a brilliant example of community-led environmental action. Although Lent has passed, Heather continues to collect a bag of litter each week, keeping the spirit of the campaign alive and motivating others to do their part. 

The following day, on Wednesday 23^rd April, 18-year-old Ben, a student at Cirencester College, also visited Parliament. He recently earned the Jim Grant Inspirational Achievement Award for his tireless work in Malmesbury – including organising clean-up efforts, campaigning on potholes, and supporting a national initiative to help find missing people. Roz submitted an Early Day Motion to Parliament to honour Ben’s contributions and draw attention to the impact of youth-led community action. 

Roz praised both young people for their leadership and dedication: 
 
 “It’s incredibly inspiring to see Heather and Ben taking the initiative and making such a meaningful difference. They’re not just talking about change – they’re making it happen. Their energy, commitment and sense of purpose are a huge credit to the South Cotswolds and a reminder that young people are already leading the way in building stronger, more caring communities.” 

Heather and Ben continue to show how practical, people-powered action can make a real and lasting difference – setting a powerful example for all generations to get involved and take pride in the place where they live. 

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Notes to Editors:  

• Heather’s EDM can be found here.  
• Ben’s EDM can be found here.  
• Heather’s campaigning Facebook page can be found here.  
• BBC news has reported on Ben’s pothole campaigning and how he helps families find missing people.