Norden's Great Spring Clean

The Mayor meets young people working towards their DoE Award

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Members of the local community from the young to the old came out in Norden at the weekend to support the Great British Spring Clean event, organised by Keep Britain Tidy and supported across the town by the Rochdale in Bloom Group.

On Friday morning when children from Cutgate Playgroup, supported by staff, parents and Councillor Peter Winkler, set out to tidy their local play area. The group made their way down Edenfield Road and through Caldershaw, collecting several bags of rubbish along the way, before enjoying play time in the park.

Councillor Winkler said: “Despite less than perfect weather everyone made a brilliant effort and the result was several bags of rubbish collected from our streets and verges. Thanks to all the parents who made a special effort to come along and make the clean-up possible.”

On Saturday morning, Mayor Ray Dutton was on hand to oversee a clean up at Jubilee Park in Norden. Members of the Park's Friends Group were joined by volunteers from Moss Row Allotments, Heritage Green and other local community groups, plus representatives from local businesses, councillors and members of the public, all keen to get involved and help to give Norden a spring clean.

Mayor Dutton said: "No matter how many times I visit groups like this it never stops being impressive to see local people making such an effort in their communities. The impact is massive and incredible. You are a real credit to the borough."

Organiser and Chairman of Friends of Norden Jubilee Park, Paul Ellison said: "It’s great to see so many volunteers turn up to lend a hand. We collected approximately 60 bags of rubbish and other larger items which were dropped off to Rochdale Council. A huge thank you for all involved."

The clean-up will be featured in the 2017 entry for Rochdale in Bloom to help demonstrate the effort and community spirit of local people.

Rochdale in Bloom Chairman, Nigel Morrel said: “2016 was Rochdale’s most successful year ever at the North West in Bloom awards, we brought home many gold awards and special recognition.

“One of the most important aspects of the judging, which is commented on every year by the RHS, is the involvement of the local community.

“The Great British Spring Clean is a perfect example of how local people are always willing to get out and support their community; they take immense pride in our town.”