Oldham schools and neighbours join spring litter picks

Oldham residents are rolling up their sleeves for a month of community clean-ups as part of the national Great British Spring Clean campaign. First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has organised a packed schedule of litter picks across the borough, partnering with schools, community groups, and local volunteers to tackle rubbish hotspots.

The action kicks off this weekend with a litter pick on Barker Street in Coldhurst on March 21 from 1-3pm, followed by a major clean-up in Shaw on March 27 targeting Salts Street, Rushcroft, Small Brook, East Crompton, and St James areas. That event runs from noon to 4pm and will see FCHO customers, community members, and even the housing association's retrofit contractor Connolly Ltd joining forces.

On March 25, students from St Hugh's Primary School and Oldham College will team up with FCHO staff for a litter pick in Holts Village, giving young people a chance to take pride in their local environment. Meanwhile, Red Rose Recovery and Oldham Council are hosting a litter picking tournament in Werneth Park on March 20, where volunteers will compete to collect and sort as much rubbish as possible in a timed challenge.

Naomi Martin-Smith, FCHO's stronger communities manager, said the housing association is committed to supporting residents who want to improve their neighbourhoods. 'We're delighted to be involved in so many events this year working in partnership with local community groups, charities, and the council,' she said, adding that FCHO offers small funding, practical support, and volunteering opportunities for community organisations running similar events.

The campaign runs until March 29, and FCHO is encouraging other community groups in Oldham, Middleton, Heywood, and Littleborough to get in touch if they're planning neighbourhood improvement events. With multiple clean-ups happening across the borough, residents have plenty of opportunities to make a difference in their local area.