Volunteers clear 700 tyres dumped in Ashworth Valley

80 volunteers retrieve 700 tyres up a steep embankment to Ashworth Road

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A big clean up by The Friends of Ashworth Valley got underway with 80 volunteers all fired up, with a continuous supply of bacon and egg butties, tea and coffee, to retrieve the tyres up a steep embankment to Ashworth Road.

The human chain of volunteers retrieved five farm trailer loads and well in excess of 700 tyres from Ashworth Valley.

Having cleared up the site, several dedicated volunteers went beyond the call of duty in following Paul Ellison and John Robert's lead and went on to clear a second site which they had begun to clear up at Splash Corner/Black Dad Lane.

This site was horrendous with a mix of tyres, fridge freezers and household rubbish. They had to use ropes and brute force to drag debris to the top.

A spokesperson said: "We cannot get over the sense of community spirit, comradery with volunteers coming from far and wide with so many people gave their time and effort and what an achievement. Thank you one and all.

"There are too many people to thank individually but you all know who you are so thank you.

"Special thanks to: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Rochdale Environmental Action Group, North Manchester Muslim Group, Sea Cadets, Rochdale Council Environmental Management and Councillors Gartside, Holly and Winkler."