Kindheart young in clean sweep

Environmentally-conscious youngsters gave up some of their half-term holiday for a community litter-pick in Fitton Hill.

Young people joined Oldham Council Street Scene’s West Oldham grounds maintenance team despite heavy rain.

The project run by Positive Steps Oldham is a four-hour environmental activity session where youngsters learn about problems with litter and how to recycle.

The group cut back overgrown bushes and hoed out disused flowerbeds around their community centre.

Future plans for the area include restructuring of the flower beds and planting of flowers. The young people also plan to grow their own vegetables.

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for citizens and neighbourhoods, said: “The young people who took part in the clear up were inspired and their confidence was given a boost by working side by side with adults and professional gardeners.

“This group worked extremely hard — they have removed an enormous amount of litter and are to be commended for their efforts.”