Norden clean up nets over 20 sacks of rubbish

Councillor Ann Metcalfe (left) and local volunteer Val Johnston who helped collect more than 21 sacks of rubbish from unofficial car parks near reservoirs in Norden

Volunteers collected more than 20 bags of litter after banding together to clean up a Rochdale beauty spot.

Members of the public and staff from United Utilities joined forces for the event at Norden, which was organised by Councillor Ann Metcalfe.

Among the haul from Over Town Lane and Woodhouse Lane were two tyres, a metal frame, garden waste and some abandoned electrical wiring.

The two hour clean up centred on unofficial car parks near Greenbooth and Naden Valley reservoirs which local residents say have become an eyesore.

"Thousands of people enjoy coming here but their visits are ruined because there's so much litter. I was amazed at how much we collected in just two hours and I'd like to thank the volunteers who were all from Rochdale and Bury Bridleways Association. They did a sterling job," said Councillor Metcalfe.

United Utilities ranger Tia Dawson said it had been a great team effort. "We just hope now that it looks great that people will help us keep it that way. These are not official car parks so no-one is keeping them tidy, although the council has done its best where it can. We were glad to help because we don't want the litter ending up in our reservoirs, because it's destined to become people's drinking water.”

Councillor Metcalfe urged visitors to respect the environment, not just for themselves but for people who lived nearby.

"Personally I’d like to give the members of the bridleways association a huge thank you for getting out of bed and turning up to help on a Saturday morning. Actually after gathering such a vast amount of rubbish there certainly is that old ‘Feel Good Factor’. We are considering doing another one later in the year but hopefully it may not be needed. Let’s hope not,” she said.