Litter pickers have bin there, done that

GREEN team . . . Greenfield Primary School eco co-ordinator, Deborah Jackson; parent member of the eco team, Nadine Wilkinson; and project officer, Katy Lloyd; with pupils

Youngsters from two Saddleworth schools have been praised for making a clean sweep of their village.

Children from Greenfield and Friezland primary schools were taking part in the final litter pick of the 20 Ward Challenge.

The project was commissioned by Oldham Council in conjunction with Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale who have organised clear-up of all 20 Oldham wards.

The team travelled from the Kingfisher pub, along the canal towards Greenfield Park and the cricket club.

Project officer Katy Lloyd said: “It’s really great we were able to get two schools working together for the final clear up.

“It epitomises what this project was all about — communities working together to keep areas clean and tidy.”

Children reported that the general cleanliness around Greenfield was good.

They have been learning about detrimental effects litter has on the environment as well as on the local community.

The event was the culmination of a long-term project with other local Saddleworth schools on litter in the community.

Schools in Saddleworth meet regularly to discuss eco issues and have been involved in the Greengrass Bag project, which aims to reduce the amount of plastic bags used and, in turn, the amount of waste.

Graham Parker, treasurer of Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association, said: “The efforts of the staff and children involved in the litter-pick are to be applauded.

“Litter is anti-social, unhygienic, unnecessary and it is generally the result of shear laziness. The association has recognised the need to improve the image of our village and has set up a sub-group, Street Scene Greenfield, to work with residents, businesses, schools and the local authorities to achieve this aim.”