Local community help with river clean up

Megan Cross, Owen Cross and Carrline Cross clean up Healey Dell

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Members of the local community joined Rangers and Friends of Healey Dell this morning (Saturday 28 September) for their annual river clean up.

The three-hour clean up took place along the 1 and a half-mile of river surrounding Healey Dell.

Ranger in charge, Richard Whittle said: “We have been known to fill a skip with the amount of rubbish we clean up.”

The clean ups started a few years ago through the Friends of Healey Dell and Rochdale Council and are held annually.

Richard added: “We can get anywhere for six to thirty five people turn up and help.”

Success on the clean up can depend on the amount of people involved as well as the weather and river conditions. “If the river gets too high it can get dangerous so sometimes we have to be careful,” said Richard.

After the clean up, volunteers were rewarded with a BBQ lunch.

Carrline Cross, who took part in the clean up, said: “I like doing my bit to help keep the countryside clean. It's nice to keep it nice for the wildlife as well as people.”

Carrline’s daughter, Megan added: “I help so the dogs don’t get stuck in things when they are walking here.”

People involved were encouraged to bring their own wellies and gloves but Rangers were able to supply litter pickers and waders.

Richard added: “People just don’t think of the consequences of throwing things into the river.”