Environmental Action Group asks: 'Are we creating a positive image of Rochdale?'

The Rochdale Environmental Action Group has now set up small teams of two and three who go in different areas

The Rochdale Environmental Action Group has now set up small teams of two and three who go in different areas. This Saturday, there were three teams, one working in Castlemere Street, adjoining streets and Castlemere Community Centre and the car park. Team 2 cleaned  Boundary Street up to and under the railway bridge and Team 3 spent time in Deeplish.

Residents came out and offered their help, one of the elderly people joined the group, he brought his brush and cleaned the footpath in front of his house and his neighbours. 

A spokesman said: "People want to see the area clean. To raise awareness of the importance of improving environment, the members of the team speak to the residents, businesses, churches and the mosques in the area about take the responsibility of cleaning the areas around their houses and businesses. This will make a real difference.

"The environment is improving slowly. Where the things don’t seem to improve, the Group would like to see the enforcement of the environmental laws in those particular areas, as local people are not getting message.

"The Group would also like to work with other similar organisations round the borough so that they can share the experiences in other areas of the town and join them to clean their areas.

"The main concerns of REAG are the open spaces where people are dumping their rubbish and litter and the derelict buildings which are hazards to pedestrians and adjoining properties, we would like to see the local authority and other authorities to take immediate action in this respect.

"Millions of pounds are being spent on the Kingsway Business Park, new Tram, new Council Offices, new Bus Stations, new Health Centres and the development of the shopping centre. Because of all the litter and rubbish which has filled our streets and areas, are we creating a positive image of Rochdale? It is a question for all of us."