Spotland’s Great British Spring Clean becomes a life-saver

Spotland’s Great British Spring Clean volunteers

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Twenty five volunteers all armed with gloves, bags, grabbers, and high-visibility jackets treated Rooley Moor Road, Ings Lane, Edenfield Road, and the areas around Spotland Methodist Church to a litter pick as part of the Great British Spring Clean on Saturday morning - and helped save an unconscious man.

The team of volunteers came across the man, who had fallen behind a fence and was unconscious. Emergency services were called and the man was rescued.

Organiser Philip Massey said: “As always, the amazing residents of Spotland & Falinge came out in great number to support a community event.  Thanks to all, and especially to those who worked so hard in kitchen.

"Not only did we leave the area looking much better today, but by sheer chance were in the right place at the right time to get a man who had become trapped over a wall the help he needed.  Due to his position, if we hadn’t have been passing, it could have been a very different outcome.

"Everyone involved today wishes him a full and fast recovery, and our fire and ambulance crews were amazing.”

Mr Massey added: “We were joined today by some residents who go out each week picking up litter in their area, and they are the truly inspirational local heroes.  I’m proud of our ward and all of our residents who give just a little of their time to make a difference for everybody to enjoy.

"I really hope that this event inspires everyone to take notice of their surroundings, and to simply pick up and bin any litter that they see.”

Jason Lees, a local resident and manager of Co-op food store on Rooley Moor Road, provided bacon, muffins, tea, coffee, biscuits and refreshments. He said, “The Co-op is always looking for ways to support local community groups.”

Councillor Wendy Cocks said, “It was good to be out with local residents today, tidying up our neighbourhood, and helping a man who was in trouble. 

"Thanks to Phil Massey and Rochdale In Bloom, Spotland Methodist Church for being our base, Rochdale Council for collecting the bags, and the fire and ambulance service who came to the rescue.  We live in a great community, that we all care about.”

Volunteer and local Labour election candidate Faisal Rana added: “It’s always a pleasure to make improvements in our local area.  All of the volunteers worked extremely hard, and everyone was very grateful to the team who worked in the kitchen.”