Tame Valley clean-up gets off to a flying start

Over 35 bags of rubbish were collected by volunteers from the Friends of the Tame Valley last weekend.

The group, which launched only a few weeks ago, coordinated the litter picks as part of their efforts to care for sections of the Tame Valley which are not already protected.

Volunteers collected rubbish in Jet Amber Fields, Dunkirk Wood, Shepley Wood and Peak Forest Canal.

This week, residents will tackle parts of the Whittles Meadows and more of Dunkirk Wood.

As group activity is currently prohibited under Covid restrictions, the litter picks were carried out by individuals and families as part of their daily exercise.

Some of the bin bags full of rubbish collected by the litter pickers

The Friends group are planning group litter picks and other events when restrictions allow.

The group have thanked Tameside Council for the loan of litterpickers, donation of bin bags, and for removing the bags once full.

Denton North East Councillor Denise Ward, Chair of the Friends of the Tame Valley, said: “The Friends of the Tame Valley is a very new group, but I’m delighted that we are already having a really positive impact on the Tame Valley.

“Thanks to all those who volunteered their time over the weekend – particularly Bryony Evens from Audenshaw who helped clean up Dunkirk Wood on her birthday!

“This is just the start for our group and I look forward to doing even more over the coming weeks and months. If you’re interested in helping out, we’d love for you to get involved.”

Anyone who would like to get involved with the Friends of the Tame Valley can contact the Secretary of the group, MP Andrew Gwynne, by emailing ajgwynne@sky.com.

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