Praise for public-spirited Wigan residents asking for litter-picking equipment for lockdown walks

Around half a dozen public-spirited individuals have approached Aspull New Springs Whelley elected representative Coun Chris Ready to supply them with litter pickers and bags.

The residents had spotted rubbish being carelessly discarded while out and about in their neighbourhoods during their daily exercise and decided they wanted to do something about it.

Coun Ready says he has been very impressed by the willingness of people to spruce up the environment even during the coronavirus pandemic and is now ordering in more cleaning equipment for the area to keep up with public demand.

And he says a few volunteers picking up trash simply flung to the ground rather than taken home or put in bins can also help the town hall as it responds to the coronavirus pandemic.

Coun Ready said: “I’ve had a few enquiries from people wanting to do litter picks on their walks around town, down the canal or wherever they have been going.

“We thought it was a brilliant idea. People are spending more time walking than they did before, have noticed the litter and want to make the place look nicer.

“I think the mentality of people has changed quite a lot in the last month. People are more friendly and are saying they like the place where they live and want to do a bit to make it nicer.

“It will also free up our council staff to do more helping the Covid-19 effort.”

Coun Ready says he and his ward colleagues are willing to speak to any litter pickers who need to make arrangements for the disposal of the rubbish they collect.

As well as contacting ward councillors residents wanting to do a litter pick can request the kit needed through Wigan Council’s website.

Find out more at www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/The-Deal/Volunteering/Environment/Request-permission-to-improve-a-space.aspx