Rochdale Ramblers praise work of green volunteers

Rochdale Way before and after the green volunteers work

Rochdale Ramblers have praised the green volunteers after they helped to significantly clear a footpath on Rochdale Way at Bowlee.

The rambler’s main aim is to keep footpaths open and after spotting a badly overgrown footpath along Rochdale Way, the ramblers report was passed to the council's green volunteer team.

The team attended the site on Friday 15 August and cleared away the overgrown grass, weeds and shrubbery.

Rochdale Ramblers secretary Roy Thorniley said: “We find the green volunteers great at clearing footpaths. On 21 July the Rochdale Way at Bowlee was impassable and three weeks later on the 16 August, after a visit by the green volunteers team, a path about 200 hundred yards long had been stripped and cleared.”

The green volunteers scheme started in December 2007 and has helped to re-open many local countryside paths that have become blocked with overgrown vegetation. The volunteers are provided with training, equipment and protective clothing by Rochdale Council.

Roy added: “It would be great if we could get some more green volunteers. There is certainly plenty to do at this time of year and in fact all year round. They do a great job in the Rochdale MBC area.”

The Green Volunteers are always looking for new members. Anyone interested in the scheme can contact Eleanor Sherwin, the scheme co-ordinator on 01706 922058.