Volunteers needed for Norden clean up

Councillor Ann Metcalfe (left) and United Utilities ranger Tia Dawson are urging volunteers to help them clean up unofficial car parks near Greenbooth and Naden Valley reservoirs on 25 February

A call has gone out for volunteers to help clean up a litter-strewn Rochdale beauty spot.

Unofficial car parks near Greenbooth and Naden Valley reservoirs in Norden have become targets for fly tippers after a build-up of unsightly litter.

Now Councillor Ann Metcalfe has teamed up with United Utilities to organise a litter-collection.

And they would like as many local people as possible to come and join them for a two-hour tidy drive on Saturday 25 February.

"Thousands of people enjoy coming here but their visits are ruined because there's so much litter. The land is only used unofficially as a car park so we need to take action ourselves to clean it up," said Councillor Metcalfe.

"The council has cleared up here many times but fly tipping, dog fouling and general rubbish dumping keep happening. People who live here are fed up and I’ve had several complaints recently. It’s great that United Utilities is helping out. I’ve also had a word with the local council officer and asked for a couple of bins.”

Ranger Tia Dawson, from United Utilities will be rolling up her sleeves and is hoping other United Utilities staff will come and join her on the day. She's advertising the event on the company intranet site and United Utilities has also agreed to provide bin bags and a disposal service for everything the volunteers collect.

She said: "It's such a shame that the area is so badly littered. At times some of it ends up on our land and we're dead keen to keep it clean because anything which falls on the floor so close to a reservoir can end up getting into the water, which is bad news for us. We're thrilled at this community initiative and only too glad to help.”

Added Councillor Metcalfe: "We'd dearly love people to get involved on a regular basis and, if we get enough people, we could organise two work teams and clear both the car parks at the same time. It will make a huge difference. With a bit of luck we can encourage visitors to respect the environment so it can be enjoyed by everyone.”

To help tidy up Norden's Greenbooth and Naden Valley parking areas meet at Greenbooth reservoir parking area on Over Town Lane at 10.00am on 25 February. Bring gardening gloves, sturdy footwear and dress for the weather.

Fore more information email ann.metcalfe@rochdale.gov.uk