Community group Friends of Victoria Square is holding a 'pumpkin after-party' on 1 November, to reduce waste this Halloween.

Between Monday 1st & Sunday 7th November 2021, residents are asked to donate leftover Halloween Pumpkins at Victoria Square.

It is estimated that each year, the UK 'wastes' nearly 13 million pumpkins following Halloween.

"Of course, this is a waste in terms of a food source for us, but possibly of more interest, to wildlife," say the Friends of Victoria Square.

"We thought: What if we could change this? We could ask the local community to donate their pumpkins to FoVS and we could distribute them around The Square.

"Pumpkins are an excellent, natural food source for many wild animals, including squirrels, birds & even foxes.

"Pumpkins and squashes of all sizes, carved and uncarved. We don't mind if they're a little sooty, or squashy. However, please do not donate anything that has been decorated with non-edible materials, such as glue, glitter or paint."

Donations should be brought the Square before sunset Monday to Friday and by 3pm on Sun 7th, and place it at the signposted collection point near the Community Garden.

Volunteers will then come along and ensure proper distribution and usage of them.

Last year, staff at Cosmeston urged residents not to dump their old pumpkins at the park after an ordeal the previous Halloween.

Read more about the pumpkin donations here.