Volunteers spring into action for Norden Great British Spring Clean

Date published: 25 March 2019

Volunteers from around Norden turned out in force with litter pickers at the ready for the annual Great British Spring Clean on Saturday (23 March).

This year’s clean-up, part of the Keep Britain Tidy campaign, was once again hosted by the Friends of Norden Jubilee Park, who have held the event for the last four years.

Norden Jubilee Park, St Paul's Parish Hall/Blackpits, Greenbooth Road, Red Lumb, Norden Village and behind Ashbourne Nursing Home, were all treated to a good old-fashioned spring clean by local residents and volunteer groups such as, Friends of Norden Jubilee Park, Birtle Trust, Friends of Rooley Moor Road, Friends of Heritage Green, NEEVA Norden Environmental & Economic Village Association, The Friends of Ashworth Valley, Horse and Farrier, Rochdale In Bloom, and Streetwise Magazines.

Other groups involved in the clean-up covered Birtle, Caldershaw, Ashworth Valley and Rooley Moor.

After some hard work tidying the village, volunteers were treated to a well-earned bacon sandwich at The Old Library Community Cafe, where Jo Hallett prepared food and hot drinks free of charge.

Carl England and Sharon Leighton, both from the local Co-op store, donated bacon, butter, sauce and bread.

Ward councillor for Norden, Peter Winkler, said: "It's fantastic to be part of such an excellent community event. Volunteers, community groups and Norden residents have my full support in any way I can assist them."

Paul Ellison, organiser and Chairman of Friends of Norden Jubilee Park & NEEVA, said: "It’s great to see so many volunteers, groups and councillors turn up to lend a hand: Norden is certainly a lot cleaner and litter free now.

“We collected 74 bags of rubbish, eight car tyres and other larger items, which have been picked up by Rochdale Borough Council and local residents. A huge thank you to all groups and volunteers involved; they are certainly local community heroes.

“Special thanks to the Co-op and Joanne at Norden’s Community Cafe for sponsoring this litter busting event."