Westhoughton: Big Spring Clean to return to clean up the environment

After a successful launch last year, residents are being urged to get involved once again to keep streets tidy by joining in one or more litter picking sessions.

Last year, more than 90 bags of rubbish were taken from the streets and after the success, town councillors have planned its return this month.

Four litter picking events will take place across Westhoughton to coincide with the national Great British Spring Clean event organised by Keep Britain Tidy.

Westhoughton town councillor Gillian Wroe said: “Residents can attend any of the events and don’t need to bring anything other than their families and bags of enthusiasm.

“We’ll be supplying litter pickers, bags and hi-vis jackets.”

Cllr David Wilkinson said it is the minority of people who litter, and teams of people litter picking each day makes a difference.

He said: “Last year we had quite a number of people actually getting involved so it created some good community interaction, people really got involved and it wasn’t just the odd person it was a group of people litter picking.

Councillors joined forces last year at the Big Spring Clean (Image: Cllr David Wilkinson)Read more of our top stories here:

• Millennium Wood opens up to all after improvement work

• Rock Hall restoration project reaches the next stage

• Bromley Cross residents pack meeting over Openreach masts

“It gave a good group feeling and a sense of community and we are hoping we will have the same feeling again this year.

“We are not the only community in the world that feels like its drowning in litter, some people have a don’t care attitude and have a complete lack of regard for their environment, these are a minority of people, but that minority of people can make it a bad place.

“We do have a lot of people in Westhoughton who do go out and litter pick frequently and there are groups across Bolton who day in, day out, rain, snow, sleet, go out and try and make the place that bit better.

“Its just a shame the people who throw their rubbish on the floor don’t change their ways.”

The Big Spring Clean events will be taking place on:

• Sunday, March 17 at 10AM - Dicconson Lane, meet at the lay by on Chorley Road facing Dicconson Lane.
• Saturday, March 23 at 10AM - Manchester Road, meet at entrance to Slack Lane.
• Sunday, March 24 at 10AM - Wigan Road, meet at the entrance to Jacks Lane in Hart Common.
• Saturday, March 30 at 10AM - Chorley Road, meet in front of The Brinsop.

For more information contact Pauline Rowley, the Westhoughton Town Clerk, on 01942 819802 or by emailing townclerk@westhoughtontc.gov.uk.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.