VOLUNTEERS took the plunge at the start of a major clean-up of a local wildlife spot.

After years of neglect, plans are now in hand to make improvements at the pond on The Ley, in Astley, thanks to the efforts of Wigan Council's Parks Service, the probation service and the borough's Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Helpers have been clearing rubbish from the wildlife habitat. Anne Cockram, Wigan Council's Parks Community Liaison Officer, said they had reacted to the wishes of local people who wanted to see the pond brought back to its former glory.