Litter dumped in Oldham is a 'disgusting mess', says ex-resident and campaigner

These graphic pictures were taken over Christmas by a former Oldham resident and anti-litter campaigner who quit the area after years of complaining about litter and dumping.

Lynda Naylor underpinned her concerns again when she visited the town on Christmas Eve and yesterday (Thursday).

She said: “It is a disgusting mess around the town centre and I don't know what the first impression must be for people visiting the Coliseum.

"And Clarksfield has the same spots year in year out - where are the engagement team and the enforcement officers?”

She said the picture showing the fridge freezer is on private land, but declared: "I've reported them for years, but nothing has been done despite the council knowing the owner.

“There is no point spending millions on the library when you have to walk by trash. 

“If the Council want to create a good impression of Oldham and the town centre to generate business, I feel they should have regular walkabouts.

"I've done my reporting over 11 years, yet not one member from the council has invited me to a meeting,” she declared.

“I think it's appalling, and residents having to up sticks and move from their homes is utterly disgusting.

"Decades ago these areas were spotless, residents had pride, now they don't.”

In earlier criticism, she said: “Maybe the town needs the approach of Frank Rothwell, Oldham Athletic’s new boss who, hands on, cleans the seats at the stadium?

"He’s a successful business man who has Oldham in his heart - he knows what is great for the town.”

And in a final rallying call, Lynda added: “Come on Oldham - with the right team and approach, it's not to late to turn the bad districts around.”

The Chronicle has contacted Oldham Council for a response to these latest findings and images.

The Council is doing its best to wage war on fly-tipping in the town.

Only last week we reported that since starting the 'Don’t Trash Oldham' campaign in September last year, Council officers have given out more than 450 fines.

Another 54 people have also been successfully prosecuted in court.

On December 22, Councillor Hannah Roberts, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “The vast majority of our residents clean up after themselves and dispose of their waste properly.

“Unfortunately, a small minority think it’s ok to just dump their waste on the street.

"This not only creates a health hazard but is an eyesore and brings our communities down.

"As these prosecutions show we are determined to stop that from happening.

“With Christmas just a few days away it’s understandable households will have more waste and recycling.

"If you can’t fit it all in your bin, please take it to the tip if you can.”

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