RESIDENTS have set up a community group with a mission to clean up the streets.

A team of seven volunteers worked together to collect 25 bin bags of rubbish on an alleyway between Glebe Street and Gordon Street in Leigh on Sunday between 11am and 1pm.

The effort was organised by newly-formed community group Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley Together, who plan to organise regular litter-picks in neglected areas of the three towns.

Lead member of the group Jayson Lomax-Hargreaves, 36, said: "We are all forward-thinking individuals who want to bring pride back to our area.

"We have got together to do this first clean up and will be doing another one between the same two roads this Sunday too."

As the residents group becomes more established, they also plan to carry out more acts of goodwill for the area such as supporting charitable causes.

Gordon Street resident Jayson added: "When me and my wife Michelle moved here four years ago there was only some overgrown weeds on the alleyways, but in the last eight months we have noticed things like needles and broken glass being dumped there.

"Hopefully we can encourage more people to join us and help us out."

Wigan Council has provided the group with litter-picking equipment and Jayson is in the process of getting in touch with the Environment Agency to collect sharps bins to dispose syringes too.

As well as Jayson and his wife Michelle, Quinton Smith, Quinton's 12-year-old daughter Tomiesina, Chris Scannell, David Hull and Chris Barnes took part in the clear up.

To get involved with the group or the litter-pick on Sunday, visit Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley Together or @Latt18 on Facebook, email lattsecretary@gmail.com or contact Michelle on 07592 687142.