School pupils join in the Great British Spring Clean

Date published: 11 June 2021


Pupils from Richmond Academy have joined in the fight against litter and waste.

Children from the Coldhurst school joined residents, ward councillors, members of Vale Drive Residents Association and representatives of First Choice Homes Oldham to clean up the grounds and the area around it.

The Academy carries out regular litterpicks and this one was part of Keep Britain Tidy’s the Great British Spring Clean (May 28 to June 13), which residents have come out in force to support.

Councillor Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Making sure our streets are clean is a priority for Oldham Council so it’s great to see young people, and community members getting stuck in and clearing up the area.

“If everyone disposed of their waste properly then we wouldn’t have to carry out litterpicks like this.

“It’s a shame people think it is ok to drop litter and waste as it makes the area look dirty, and no one wants to see that.

“It would be great if more people followed the example set by these young people and showed pride in their home town – rather than expecting others to clean up after them.”

School Principal Claire Rahman said: “It has been great to be involved in the community clean up as it has been a while since we have been able to take part in such events.

“We are very committed at Richmond in becoming eco warriors which is one of our Harmony Pledges. 

“It's also a fantastic experience for our children to witness first-hand the difference to both our local community and school environment at the end of the clean-up when they can see all the litter collected. 

“The children have enjoyed being a part of the clean-up and are very proud of what they have achieved.”

Oldham Council supports community litter picks, and District Teams loan out equipment.

You can contact your District Team to book a time to pick up equipment for community groups, if you wish to do so, via: environmental.services@oldham.gov.uk

If you want the council to remove bagged litter after an organised group litterpick, officials will need to agree dates, times and locations in advance.

Please give as much notice as possible so they can support you.

However, if you are doing this as an individual, do not let this stop you from litter picking, just put any waste you collect in your bin at home.

To report litter and fly-tipping visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/litter or www.oldham.gov.uk/flytipping


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