A litter picking group in Bolton has returned for the first time since lockdown.

The Horwich First Community Litter Pickers restarted last weekend, having not met since the Covid-19 pandemic.

They said they filled 13 bags of rubbish and collected items including traffic cones, the front end of a car, a taxi plate from Fylde and a road sign. 

Members of the group were keen to restart it after it was forced to stop by the pandemic.

Now they are set to meet once monthly, starting from May.

Cllr Steven Chadwick, Mayor of Horwich, said: “We did a few group litter picks last year, such as the Great British Spring Clean and also clearing up after the Horwich Platinum Jubilee events.

“Several members have also done solo picks and even helped with other groups in the borough too, but we will now be getting back to our regular monthly picks.

The Bolton News: Litter, including the front end of a car, was foundLitter, including the front end of a car, was found (Image: Cllr Steven Chadwick)

“We have previously had lots of support from residents and businesses in the town, such as McDonald's Horwich, who pre-Covid regularly sent volunteers to help. 

“We look forward to welcoming individuals as well as any groups or businesses who may wish to collaborate with us going forward and thank Andy and his team at Bolton Council for supplying all the equipment.”

He added: “We’ve got other litter picking groups in Horwich who are all doing great jobs, but we also want to get this group going again.

“The more people that get out there, hopefully it will encourage more to get involved.

The Bolton News: The litterThe litter (Image: Cllr Steven Chadwick)

“This weekend just gone, 13 bags were collected, as well as traffic cones and an entire front end from a car.

"There was also a taxi plate from Fylde and a road sign, which is similar to one contractors had in the area last year.

"It was under the motorway bridge on the Horwich and Blackrod border."

The group meet on the last weekend of every month, with their next outing being in May.

For further information or to be added to the mailing list, email stevenchadwick.horwichfirst@gmail.com.