REVEALED: The Bolton leaders and entrepreneurs backing our campaign

A lot of good work is already done ­to tackle litter and fly-tipping ­— from the courts cracking down on offenders to volunteers and workers keeping the town centre clean and tidy.

But still the problem of fly-tipping persists ­— and it became more prevalent during last year’s coronavirus lockdowns. So we are calling for three key actions:

- Tougher penalties for the worst fly-tipping offenders

- Plans for green spaces and ‘pocket parks’ to progress

- Finally we want YOU to join up our Big Bolton Litter Pick by joining a local group or starting your own rubbish busting team

READ MORE: Bolton's war on fly-tipping: Campaign for a greener town

Cllr David Greenhalgh, leader of Bolton Council, said: “I am fully supportive of this campaign by The Bolton News.

“We can all play our part as a council, local businesses, schools and of course the incredible army of volunteer litter pickers who go out week after week. Together we are restoring pride back into our local communities.

“We, as a council, invested an extra £1.5m on cleaner and greener initiatives last year, and we support our volunteers with equipment, bags and removal of litter collected, along with the introduction of stronger enforcement of fly tippers and litter louts.

“A cleaner borough attracts more investment leading to more jobs and shared prosperity.

“So I urge everyone to join forces and get involved in this positive campaign.”

Alex McVey, owner of Odessa in Bolton town centre said: “One thing that gets my goat is people littering.

“I’ve seen this on many occasions, even when very close to a bin, people will drop litter on the floor. I don’t get it.

“From a town centre point of view, I must thank Nigel, a Bolton council environmental officer who keeps the area around our side of town in good order.

“Let’s all do our bit and get Bolton tidy.”

READ MORE: How you can start your own litter picking group in Bolton

Karen Hargreaves, who runs the card shop in Westhoughton Market said: “The council keep the street clean near the market and do a good job. What I am noticing the number of masks on the floor, people have been wearing them and then just drop them for someone else to pick up.

“Westhoughton is a lovely town and we should all do our bit and work together.”

READ MORE: Rivington visitors encouraged to take their rubbish home

Bolton West MP Chris Green said: “We all have a responsibility to keep our towns and communities looking as good as they can be but there are always a few who let us all down.

“I’m backing this campaign for cleaner streets, but we’ve got to make sure that we have better enforcement of the existing rules too.”

Fellow MP Mark Logan added: “Pre-Covid, 2020, and no doubt as you’re reading this, the litter pickers from across our town are putting their hearts and souls into making our home a cosier place to live. That’s why I fully support this paper’s campaign to stamp out litter.”

READ MORE: Bolton News war on litter: How to report fly-tipping

Cllr Nick Peel, leader of the Labour Group said: “I warmly welcome the new campaign from The Bolton News to clean up our borough.

“We are incredibly privileged in Bolton to have so many dedicated volunteers who do so much to help keep our neighbourhoods clean. These groups operate through no other reason than they want to help out.

“The issue has become worse across the country over the last year. But it never was nor never should be acceptable to fly tip or to litter.

“These things only ever come down to an individual’s personal and selfish choice.

“Keeping our environment clean and tidy is so important to our wellbeing, and I urge anybody who has thought about doing some voluntary work for the environment to get involved.”

READ MORE: Bolton Council calls on residents to keep town clean