MORE than 30 residents turned up for the Big Northwich Clean last weekend (June 12/13).

The final weekend of The Great British Spring Clean brought 30 people of all ages - the youngest being three - together to help keep Northwich free of street litter.

The hard work didn't go without its reward either because as well as leaving the town litter-free, the pickers were all treated to a lovely lunch laid on by Kanya Bistro as a way of saying thanks.

Northwich Guardian: Kanya Bistro kindly provided the litter pickers with a free lunch

Kanya Bistro kindly provided the litter pickers with a free lunch

Graham Emmett, deputy town mayor, said: "I was amazed and grateful at the turnout, it was twice what we expected.

"Kindly, the Canal and River Trust had supplied more than enough equipment and Northwich Town Council picked up the 30 or more bags of litter we collected.

"A great effort and thanks to everyone involved."

Litter heroes, Transition Northwich, The Canal and River Trust and Northwich Town Council came together to make this community litter pick a big success.

Cllr Lee Siddall, founder of Litter Heroes, said: "It's so gratifying to see so many people coming together for our community.

"It gives me an immense sense of pride that people will give up their weekend to enrich the town they live in.

"This is in dramatic contrast to the recent spate of vandalism that some members of our community decide to show by snapping trees in our town centre."

Northwich Guardian: 30 people were involved in the Big Northwich Litter Pick

30 people were involved in the Big Northwich Litter Pick

Cllr Siddall is keen to bring people and communities together to make them a better place to live, work and play.

He continued: "I would encourage everyone to get involved with something that helps to put something back and improves your community.

"This could be litter picking, helping out in a food bank or just checking in on a neighbour.

"Let's stop thinking that someone else will do it and take responsibility for where we live.

"As they say: “Ask not what your community can do for you – ask what you can do for your community."

Alison Allum, Transition Northwich coordinator, who helped to promote the event agrees: "Volunteering has so many surprising benefits.

"This litter clean was surprisingly social and we all explored the town in a completely different way to usual.

"Slowing down was relaxing and we noticed lots of interesting things we would never have usually seen.

"Getting involved in community volunteer activities gives back to you in ways that can boost your wellbeing and even your purse...our team found a stray lottery ticket!"

Northwich Guardian: Cllr Lee Siddall and George Hammond from Canal and River Trust

Cllr Lee Siddall and George Hammond from Canal and River Trust 

George Hammond from the Canal and River Trust said: "We are thrilled to support this fantastic event organised by Litter Heroes Assemble Northwich.

"By removing an impressive amount of litter, those who took part have helped to prevent pollution of our local waterways and the risk of litter harming our local wildlife.

"We look forward to supporting their efforts and working together in the future to make life better by water."