Multi agency approach to cleaning up the Rochdale MBC

Date published: 29/03/2005

Volunteers from the Forestry Commission, Mersey Basin Campaign, Rochdale MBC Street Services, Groundwork trust, Pennine Edge Forest, Rochdale Development Agency and BTCV joined forces to try and combat the problems of rubbish in the Roch with support from Housing Market Renewal Community Cohesion Funding. Over twenty volunteers got stuck in, removing items such as trolleys, bikes, car parts, children’s buggies clothing and a one eyed stuffed frog!  Two large builders skips were filled to capacity during the event, which took place at the confluence of Hey Brook and the River Roch off Entwislte Road in Rochdale. 

In addition to the clean up an enforcement officer from RMBC was also on hand to help educate local businesses and members of the community know what their responsibilities are when it comes to disposing of unwanted items. 

Mike Cummings of the Mersey Basin Campaign said: “The area looked vastly improved after just a few hours, it is surprising how different the place looked after removing some of the bulkier waste.  The event was a great success and it is something I would like to see happen on other stretches of the river”

The event was one of series of events being carried out as part of the Newlands Community Woodland scheme.  Other schemes are looking at reducing the problems of dog fouling and encouraging members of the public to contribute to the long term regeneration of the river corridor.