Clean-up campaign spills across borough

A CLEAN-UP initiative piloted in Hathershaw is set to be rolled out across the borough.

Oldham Council launched the scheme in a bid to save the £1million spent annually on clearing up dumped waste from the streets.

The authority says these funds could be better spent providing services for residents.

Members are now working with residents to encourage them to take pride in their communities by keeping them clean, green and free of eyesores.

Officers went door-to-door to 900 homes talking to people to ensure they knew how to dispose of waste properly. They were also asked if they understood the collection rounds and reminded them about the council’s bulky waste service.

Residents were given a leaflet informing them about enforcement action — including fixed penalties — if they fly-tipped waste.

As a result of this new approach a number of fixed-penalty notices have been handed out, or are pending, and legal notices have been served to individuals telling them to remove rubbish from their properties.

The council says it will continue to monitor the situation and will take firm action against anyone who dumps rubbish in the area.

Councillor Jean Stretton said: “The vast majority of our residents take pride in their communities but a small minority will always let the side down.

“Cleaning up after people costs a huge amount of money and in this current financial climate that cannot continue.”