Community champions have launched a campaign to keep Leigh tidy and make the area a better place to live.

A group of residents are looking for volunteers to support the Tidy Leigh clean-up drive, headed by Jeanette Wilkinson.

They want to encourage the whole community to take an active part in improving the local environment.

Jeanette said: “We want to support local businesses, schools and other establishments to create cleaner, more environmentally friendly spaces across Leigh.

“We’ve already got local councillors on board and really want to be part of the ongoing conversation about how we support the green agenda, including discussions around reduction and proper disposal of excessive packaging and recycling.

“We’ve got a growing group of residents and business owners really keen to make a difference and would like to see more people get involved.

“Our message is that littering isn’t cool and we’d urge people to remember that what gets thrown away on the streets doesn’t go away.

“People are the cause and also the only cure for litter.”

Leigh Journal:

In the 1970s, Leigh Civic Trust launched a similar campaign involving Phil the Bin - a cartoon character drawn by the late Reuben Edge - so the clean-up message is one that has been highlighted over the years.

Clr John Harding said: “The recently formed Tidy Leigh group is doing great work to hep reduce the blight of litter in the area.

“Its approach to this problem is different from other groups in that it wishes to get local businesses involved to support the community.

“However, it also complements the work of other groups and I believe that all these groups working together is already having a positive impact on the area.

“I, together with my council colleagues, are happy to support them and hope that Business owners will do the same.”

To find out more about the group email Jeanette.wilkinson@sky.com or call 07912212950.