Council chopped down trees 10 months ago, but the cuttings still remain

Last year trees were cut down as part of a big area clean-up in Oldham – but locals are still waiting for the debris to be taken away. 

In October 2024, Oldham Council came to the area of West End Street as part of a big push to eradicate fly-tipping.

They chopped down trees and cleared away the rubbish that had built up on the recreational area over time.

Politicians even posed for pictures – in hi-vis jackets, holding litter pickers and brooms – to showcase the effort.

But almost one year on, the cuttings from the trees are still there – and fly-tippers have returned to dump more of their rubbish to join it.

The local authority says they are waiting on more funding to come back and finish the job.

Seeing the dumped fridges, mattresses and household waste has angered local resident Mohammed Hussain, whose house backs on to the area.

The 36-year-old has lived in the Westwood suburb of Oldham all his life and says the sports pitch was regularly used by children, but now it’s too cluttered to be used properly. 

“Back in October 2024 they came and cleared up and did the trees and everything,” he explained.

“Now I’ve realised they are not taking away the cuttings left from the trees. 

“It’s just come to the point where I have had enough with the council.

"People are now fly tipping there again because of the cuttings being left there. 

“People are fly tipping and doing drugs there.

"All the litter has led to mice and rats coming into people’s houses nearby.

“It has just gotten worse and worse over the years. It’s upsetting and makes me angry as I see so many kids growing up with nothing around them but rubbish.”

Mohammed believes that fencing off the area or putting in bollards to stop cars approaching to dump their rubbish could be a temporary solution.

Repurposing the site to make it a proper facility for young people is what he feels is the best solution.

Coun Abdul Jabbar, deputy leader and ward councillor for Coldhurst, said: “The West End Street clean-up is a part of a larger community project for the location that is currently being planned, as there is still work to do here like the trees needing to be removed.

"To enable this, more funding is being sought from the Government to make it an area that residents deserve and can be proud of.  

“However, residents must treat it with respect and not fly tip after so much work was already done last October to drastically improve the area.

"Oldham Council takes fly-tipping very seriously.

"Those who get caught fly tipping will be caught and fined and those who know about it should report them. 

“I’m sure residents are as keen as we are to bring this wonderful facility fully back in use, so as soon as we have more details we will share these plans.”

A spokesperson for Oldham Council said that residents would be informed when further clean up work will be done.

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