A TEAM of hearty litter pickers have given an unloved Northwich layby a much needed spring clean.

Town Councillor Graham Emmett led a team of eight as they made a targeted attempt at cleaning the vast amounts of litter left off the A556, by the CafA556.

Cllr Emmett, who represents the Winnington ward, said the layby and been neglected for too long and how it was very much unloved.

He said: "The layby is really unloved and it really affects the cafe business there with it being so filthy.

"It's really beyond the cafe owners to clear all the litter that gets left there.

"As part of Northwich Litter Heroes, I went along to have a look at the site last Friday and I was aghast at how bad it was.

"So we decided to come back this week as individuals because a group litter pick at this stage isn't possible because of Covid restrictions.

"There were eight of us there at one point and between us we have managed to fill 80 bags of rubbish.

"We also recovered four tyres and solar panel."

Northwich Guardian: The layby was described as being very much unloved and was full of litter.

The amount collected suggests the layby hasn't been cleaned of litter for a considerable period of time and Cllr Emmett said he thinks the majority of rubbish has been left by truckers staying in the layby overnight, who also use as a toilet.

"The people at the cafe were absolutely delighted, so much so they gave us all a free lunch," he added.

"It really does reflect on their business but they can't keep it clean on their own.

"A lot of it is transport drivers staying overnight and there's two thing that you find when you're picking and that 'driver Tizer' and 'driver burgers', and I'll let you imagine what that it is.

"It's really not nice and really environmental health up there to have a look."

There are toilets close to the layby at Hartford Picnic Area, that are unfortunately closed and that is something that potentially might help the current unpleasant situation.

Northwich Guardian: The team collected 80 bags of rubbish from the site.

Cllr Emmett went on: "The toilets there were actually very nice and substantial but they were closed.

"It's a real shame because if they were open I think the place would be a lot cleaner and a lot safer.

"But at least now we've cracked getting rid of the masses of waste that were there.

"It won't seem as bad going next time and only having to clear maybe four bags worth.

"When you litter pick you find a lot of old stuff but this was mostly newer stuff, such as cups, papers and lots of waste from McDonalds."

Northwich Guardian: The area around the layby has now been completely cleared.

Cllr Emmett said it was frustrating that people chose to leave their litter for others to pick up and said during the pandemic people had become more aware of responsibilities.

"We've had plenty of people showing interest in becoming involved in organised litter picks.

"During the past year people have certainly been going out more, which means people are littering more but there are also more people going out and picking it up.

"We also had a nice bonus today when someone visiting the cafe said it was fantastic what we were doing and gave us £20 which can be used to buy two new litter pickers."