Litter pick crew's super job

Crompton Primary School, Crompton take part in the Great British Spring Clean Litter Heroes. Pictured here (front) leading the way is Indiya Rowe (5) with fellow pupils all dressed as superheroes.

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OLDHAM is looking sparkly clean after litter heroes young and old took to the streets for a big clean-up.

A total of seven events were organised as part of the huge community effort for the Great British Spring Clean at the weekend.

Primary school pupils were among those dressed in florescent gear and armed with litter pickers for the Keep Britain Tidy event.

Crompton Primary School spruced up its premises and surrounding area during a Litter Heroes event on Friday.

The hour-long litter pick saw staff and pupils at the eco-school dress as superheroes to tackle the rubbish.

As an Eco School, pupils are taught about the importance of a range of environmental issues and its Eco Club undertakes regular litter picks in the area.

Crompton Primary head teacher Lara Beaumont said: "We are proud that some of the school's youngest pupils have given the school community a lesson in good citizenship here, taking care of our school and local environment in this way. Our children found minimal litter around the school, which is great news for our community. We would, however, urge all dog owners to use bins provided to dispose of dog litter appropriately. Dog walkers may not be aware that around 170 of our pupils sit on the carpet during learning time which makes fouling outside our school grounds a particular health hazard."

On Saturday the Friends of Stoneleigh Park came together from 1pm to clean up the nine-hectare green space.

A community litter pick was also organised by Chadderton Neighbourhood Team in the areas surrounding Crossley playing fields. The works party on Saturday afternoon was supported by volunteers from McDonald's.

Muslim Youth from Oldham were another group helping out by holding a clean-up session in Feltham.

Youth leader for AMYA Manchester North Laiq Khan said: "Despite the rainy conditions the members worked with enthusiasm and passion. Our youth are always looking for opportunities to help our local community."

The group extended their thanks to Oldham Council for lending a hand and providing equipment as well as disposing of the rubbish.

Oldham Council encouraged residents to come together for the collaborative operation as well as highlighting the cost of dropping litter.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and co-operatives, said: "It's good to see so many people supporting this campaign ­- it makes a tremendous difference."