School children and businesses join forces to combat litter

Pupils from St John Primary School with Groundwork staff on the clean up on Ann Street.

Pupils from St John Primary School joined business members and staff from Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale for a community clean up on Ann Street ,off Drake Street, yesterday as part of the Tidy Business Standards award scheme.

Tidy Business Standards is an initiative to encourage businesses to reduce litter and have a good system in place for waste management. There is an additional focus on showing support to the local community.

Victoria Sorotos, who organised the event for Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale, said: “It’s great to see people get together. The litter pick was a great success and the area looks a lot better. We must have got over 20 bags of rubbish, a recycling box full of glass, plastic and we also we found a toilet and a mirror. The items were endless!

"If we all take responsibility to work together, we can create a win-win situation that is equally beneficial to all. The company wins, the community wins, and the environment wins too.”

Tidy Business Standards recognises businesses for their part in trying to regenerate the area in a positive manner. Working towards a cleaner, greener and safer community requires the support of everyone including business, the council and the public.

Claude Nell, owner of Claude Nell Hair & Beauty, took part in the litter pick. He said: “The litter pick was easy and did not take long. Groundwork staff were friendly and active. I noticed the difference from the litter pick instantly. I will definitely be attending the next one.”