THE Bolton Green Umbrella group shows exactly the sort of spirit we want to see more of in this great town.
The organisation supports community groups across the borough who want to take care of the environment.
They can support you in setting up your own group — and can even help with things like litter picking gear and high-vis jackets.
They also work to commit local organisations and businesses to care for and maintain the area around their premises and volunteer their time to a local volunteer group.
Barbara Hackett chairwoman of Bolton Green Umbrella said: “This campaign is a great idea and just what we need to bring everyone together to fight for a greener and cleaner Bolton.
“We’re fully behind it and can’t wait to hear from more community groups and businesses who want to get involved.”
One such team is the Over Hulton Community Group.
Member John Bullen said: “The litter pickers were the spark needed to bring the community together.
“When you consider we are one of the most successful community groups in the Bolton area, it shows how important the litter pickers were.”
Mr Bullen, and others, had tried to bring the community together through a number of schemes, even securing money to take families on day trips.
But nothing worked and the small committee was about to give it up and donate money to local charities, until a member, Stuart Braddock happened to mention the residents picking up litter.
The residents were brought together to form the Clean and Tidies — and six years later the team is going strong.
Mr Bullen said: “Residents would see the Clean and Tidies in their high-vis jackets, and say this wonderful, look at the shopping precinct, Salford Road, where there would be beer cans, and that is what kicked off the community group.”
He added: “Everyone wants to live in a clean and tidy place that they can be proud of.”
READ MORE: Bolton's war on fly-tipping: Campaign for a greener town
READ MORE: The Bolton leaders and entrepreneurs backing our campaign
READ MORE: How you can start your own litter picking group in Bolton
READ MORE: Bolton News war on litter: How to report fly-tipping
READ MORE: Bolton Council calls on residents to keep town clean
READ MORE: Rivington visitors encouraged to take their rubbish home
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