John Wantling’s big clean up

John Wantling picked litter up and tidied Manchester Old Road

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John Wantling from Rochdale has taken it upon himself to clean local areas. John has picked litter up and tidied Manchester Old Road and has also cleaned and brightened up College Bank Estate by planting fresh plants.

John started work on College Bank Estate in June 2013 and picked up litter and also planted fresh plants in planters. John spent almost 6 hours planting and watering plants for the area. John said: “I have done 80% of the work on my own. I have had help with the planters from my neighbour but I have done most of it on my own.”

To manage the planters John and his neighbour, Frank Healey turned over the soil a number of times, added manure and chose the correct flowers for the area. John said: “Each planter can take a while to do. If even one person from the estate said they would help, I could cut the job in half.”

The clean up of Manchester Old Road started in July 2013 and John embarked on twelve hours of cleaning. He said: “I managed to go six times for two hours each and would go before work in the morning or at the weekends.”

When asked why he decided to take on this challenge, John said: “I noticed it was untidy and just took it upon myself to tidy it up. I don’t like to see mess and it’s a shame that its started to become a mess again.”

John enjoys working with the environment and in his spare time also volunteers time with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. He said: “I like working with wooded areas and in woodlands so that is nice to do as well.” John also volunteers time with East Lancashire Railway and cleans the line from Bury to Rawtenstall.

After cleaning up the two areas, John continues to look after the plants and is proud of the work he has done but doesn’t plant to clean anymore streets. “I don’t plan on cleaning anymore big streets like Manchester Old Road but if I get the urge to do it again, then I might.”