Milnrow schoolgirl cleans up streets with school litter-picker – and hopes to inspire others to do the same

Anabela Madeira

An 11-year-old Milnrow schoolgirl has been making the village a cleaner place for all, and hopes others will follow her example after collecting 24 bin bags of rubbish.

Anabela Madeira was the first in her class at Milnrow Parish Primary School to volunteer to take a litter-picker out onto the streets in all weather.

The youngster said she was keen to volunteer because “seeing all the rubbish annoyed me, and I want Milnrow to be perfect.”

Over the course of 7-22 April, Anabela collected 24 bursting bin bags, filled with disposable vapes, wooden forks, plastic bottles and drink cans, and crisp packets.

She said she “hated” seeing the disposable vapes littering the streets, closely followed by dog-poo bags, whilst a mop head and dirty nappy were the “strangest” things found.

“The first time I went out after school, mum and I collected seven bags,” she said. “I wanted to get everything.”

After thinking the road near Hollingworth Academy would be the worst, Anabela said the worst areas was on Dale Street, between the Post Office and the Co-op.

Her route saw her cover most of the village from Kiln Lane to the high school, as well as to the memorial park, past the John Milne and back near Ellenroad Engine House, and along Elizabethan Way.

She added: “I just want people to stop littering, and for other people in my class to also volunteer and clean up as much rubbish as they can.”