ENTHUSIASTIC volunteers who have been cleaning up grot spots across Middlewich have won the support of Cheshire East Council's waste and recycling service.

Members of Middlewich Community Pride had a meeting yesterday, Wednesday, with Ansa, who collect bins and clean streets in the borough.

Residents spend several hours every Sunday clearing weeds, soil, dirt and debris from the sides of roads and unearthing gulleys as well as removing overgrowth from street signs and gulleys.

Northwich Guardian:

Volunteers cleaning up St Michael's Way

Cllr David Latham, who revived the group, said: "The meeting went very well. Ansa is fully committed to backing us. They offered us as much help as we need.

Northwich Guardian:

Volunteers have removed weeds and overgrowth from footpaths and the sides of roads

"They will do the more in-depth labour tasks like gulley cleaning. They took on board our comments."

Ansa have been supplying volunteers with high vis jackets, gloves and bin bags.

Northwich Guardian:

Roadsides and junctions have been cleared of weeds, dirt and debris

"We realise there have been cutbacks and they have to cover the whole borough," said Cllr Latham."They said if we continue to report tasks they will go on the job list.

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"I am immensely proud of our team of volunteers and indebted to our sponsors."

St Luke's Hospice has supplied tools, spades and brushes.

Town Bridge Motors in Middlewich is providing storage.

Liz McGuinness at the Boars Head offers volunteers tea and coffee.

The group hopes to involve schoolchildren and teenagers in the coming months as they plan to plant flowers, sow seeds and instal some art work.

"It's all about trying to get the community involved in making the town a nicer and better place to live," said Cllr Latham. "I am very proud of Middlewich. I was born and bred here.

Northwich Guardian:

Cllr David Latham wants to make Middlewich more appealing for visitors and residents

"Middlewich is one of the nicest places to live in the country. We've got some lovely canals and walks, we just need a call to arms to get more volunteers.

"Middlewich is very busy. We want to make it more appealing for visitors who drive through, enticing more people to come and stay, shop and do business in the town."

New members are welcome.

Volunteers plan to clean up Brooks Lane footbridge on Sunday, March 1.

Visit Middlewich Community Pride on Facebook for more details.