Oldham urged to get ready for the Great British Spring Clean

Oldham Council is encouraging residents to do their bit and take part in the Great British Spring Clean.

There is still plenty of time to sign up and get involved in the clean-up, which runs from March 20 until April 13.

The national campaign, organised by Keep Britain Tidy, has one simple aim - to bring together people from across our neighbourhoods to clear up the litter that sadly blights our districts, villages, and countryside.

The council is committed to keeping the borough clean and the work is seeing results – last year Keep Britain Tidy gave our streets four out of five for cleanliness, after we boosted the number of workers in our street cleaning team.

But it’s not just about picking up litter.

It’s also about sending a clear message to those who drop litter and dump waste: it’s not acceptable and if evidence is found then officers will take action.

My Coldhurst and OL1 are two of the local groups which have signed up to take part in the spring clean.

My Coldhurst was set up by residents to keep the area clean, tidy and sustainable for ‘current and future’ generations. 

Volunteers carry out regular clean ups the last Saturday of every month.

Saleh Uddin, from My Coldhurst, said: “We are proud to live in Coldhurst and that’s why we give up our own time to make the area look tidy.

“It’s not easy at times but the effort is well worth it when you see streets that are clean.”

Councillor Ateeque Ur Rehman, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood, said: “It’s great that groups and individuals such as OL1, the Big Failsworth Clean Up team, the Ghazali Trust, My Coldhurst, Uppermill Community Action Network and Ruth Major are all regularly doing their bit and helping to clean up the borough.

“It would be good if more people followed their lead and The Great British Spring Clean is a good way for people to get involved and help improve their neighbourhoods.

“Cleaning up our communities costs residents and the council hundreds of thousands of pounds each year, so initiatives like this not only help improve the area but also save money.

“The vast majority of people do take pride in their communities and keep them clean and tidy – if more people followed their example then our steers would be even cleaner

“But, unfortunately, there is always a small minority who continue to think they can just dump waste and leave others to clear up the mess.

“If every resident picked up just one piece of litter it would make a tremendous difference.”

To find out more about any events in your area, information about the campaign or how to take part, go to www.greatbritishspringclean.org.uk and register today.

The council will support any groups that have signed up to the initiative and you can contact them via environmentalservices@oldham.gov.uk

If you take part and take any photos don’t forget to tag in @OldhamCouncil and use the hashtag #GreatBritishSpringClean

To find out more about the work My Coldhurst carry out, visit https://www.facebook.com/mycoldhurst/