A COMMUNITY litter pick to give Northwich town centre a spruce up will take place this weekend after being cancelled because of Covid.

The big clean up event was supposed to be taking place last year, but when the government introduced the rule of six, it was deemed not safe enough to meet in large groups.

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However, with an easing of restrictions, Lee Siddall, who was made a town councillor for the Winnginton and Castle ward last month, said he was delighted it could now go ahead, although Covid safety measures will still be in place.

Cllr Siddall said: "We've tried to coincide it with the Great British clean, which many people and organisations are getting involved in.

"It's being organised with the town council, Transition Northwich and the Canal and River Trust are involved as well.

"We're hoping to have at least 50 litter pickers helping us out on the day."

The meeting place is the new outdoor space in the town centre, with volunteers asked to be there for a 10am start on Saturday (June 12).

Split into groups, the litter pickers will tackle known 'grot spots' such as Matalan car park, Watermans car park, Cumberland Street car park, as well as the main pedestrian routes in town and will also include Carey Park, Brio and Chinkers Field, Winnington Street and Castle, Verdin Park and Furey Wood.

"We're hoping to spend around four hours picking litter in and around the town centre," Cllr Siddall added.

"The plan is to do as much of Northwich as possible, including down by the rivers.

"We want to give the town a proper clean up.

"All the bags will then be collected at the new outdoor space."

On the Sunday, the big clean up event heads into the wider community, with people living in those areas encouraged to have pride in the place where they live and call home.

Cllr Siddall added: "The event on the Sunday involves all the parish councils getting involved.

"What we want people to do is go out in their areas and pick in places they feel need doing.

"We're then asking people to take pictures of themselves doing it and send them to the Litter Heroes Facebook page, which will hopefully inspire others to do the same."

The team are hoping to provide enough equipment, such as litter pickers, to as many people as possible, with both Lee and Cllr Graham Emmett the best points of contact for those wishing to get involved.

For further information, or to suggested areas that need a good clean up, please go the Litter Heroes Facebook PAGE.