Litter Picking Summary 5th->8th April 2017

Hot on the heals of the Spring Clean Week came our 2 scheduled April litter picks.

11 members met at Lindow Common. We collected 23 bags of litter (plus 2 bags for recycling), a carpet (dumped by the lake!), a handbag, a sweater, a car battery, a car floor mat, a car hub cap, various cardboard boxes, and an AA road sign. We covered The Common itself, Racecourse Road (including the unadopted section behind the Premier Inn), the grounds of the Premier Inn & Harvester/Boddington Arms and the woodland behind, and both sides of Altrincham Road between the ‘town end’ junction of Racecourse Road and the Jim Evison playing fields (including the first sections of Mobberley Road and Kings Road). We also covered the section of Altrincham Road between the junction of Nansmoss Lane and the junction of Morley Green Road (opposite The Honey Bee). We reported to National Grid that the doors on their Gas ‘sub-station’, on the land belonging to Harvester/Premier Inn, were broken and swung wide open, and they promised to send an inspector within 4 hours to investigate. We also reported a forgotten ‘For Sale’ board, lying on its side in the bushes, to its owners, Bridgfords, who said they would recover it.

Many thanks to Lauren, the Duty Manager at Harvester, who kindly offered us all a free coffee – 6 of us took up the offer.

One of our volunteers, Viv, had also been out litter picking individually the previous Monday and collected a bag in Priory Rd, Gorsey Rd and Altrincham Road outside Gorsey Bank School.

By the time Saturday arrived, a lot of the team were “littered out” after an intensive 2 week period of organised litter picks. We still had 4 volunteers out and about though. We met at The King’s Arms and covered Knutsford Road (as far down as Davenport Green), Alderley Road (down to the A34 roundabout), Fulshaw Park Road South, the footpath leading to and including Greenway, Parkway up to the Sainsbury car park cut through, Sainsbury’s car park down to the Coach & Four, Bedell’s Lane, Hawthorne Street as a far as the Police Station, Chapel Lane, Lindfield Estate South, Albert Road and Victoria Road. These areas were reasonably clean and it seems that much of the ingrained & deep seated litter has been removed. 6 more bags of litter were collected altogether.

Many thanks to The Coach & Four for offering us tea and coffee.

So – 30 more bags of litter and some recyclables altogether in the April picks.

Hope to see everyone in May.

Summary Of Spring Clean 2017

We held 4 litter picks during the 2017 Spring Clean Week. We collected at least 61 bags of litter + some recyclables – so a brilliant effort all round.

Some sparkling weather was welcome on Monday 27th March. 2 new volunteers (Alison and Sara) were amongst the 10 who met at Wilmslow Garden Centre. This was a new venue for us. We collected 24 bags plus 3 bags for recycling. We also alerted ANSA to the carcass of a badger on Stanneylands Road. We covered Manchester Road (from the Blue Bell crossroads north to the boundary with Handforth, and the woodland near this boundary), Dean Drive, Courtney Green, the Arthur Boon park, the un-named cul de sac adjacent and Stanneylands Road (between the hotel and the Styal parish boundary at Linney Bridge, and for some distance up the hill beyond the boundary). Because we have never covered some of this area before there was a lot of very old, deep-seated, litter, especially in the woodland around the park, and down the cul de sac road past the building used by the Army and Air Force cadets, towards the railway viaduct. We heard from a passer-by that someone is regularly fly-tipping drink cans down there.

On Tuesday, one of our volunteers, Sheila, collected 3 bags and a wheel trim on Alderley Road (and the surrounding streets) between the bypass roundabout and the Kings Arms. Donkey Lane and Fulshaw Park.

8 volunteers met at the Parish Hall in the evening on Wednesday 29th March. We were pleased to welcome another new volunteer (Julie). We collected 10 bags and some recyclables. We focussed on surrounding area including The Carrs, Cliff Road, Styal Road and Bollin Hill. We then headed off to The King William for a drink and a chat.

7 volunteers gathered at the Unicorn Pub on Adlington Road on Friday 31st March. We collected 12 bags of litter from in and around the Dean Row area. Again – this was a new location for us. We covered Lees Road (on both sides down as far as the Wilmslow boundary), Adlington Road (down as far as Browns Lane and then into Cross Lane), Chapel Road and Woodford Road (down as far as the Wilmslow boundary). It was great to welcome 2 local Dean Row councillors : Ian Furguson and Frank McCarthy. We would also like to than the landlady of the Unicorn for kindly offering us tea or coffee which we enjoyed when arrived back at the pub.

On Sunday 2nd April, 5 volunteers met at Sainsbury’s and we were so pleased to be joined by a 12 year old girl who had read about the Spring Clean and brought her mum along – what a star! We collected 11 bags altogether. We would like to thank Sainsbury’s for the free ice creams that they brought out – very welcome on a warm afternoon. Thanks to the Coach & Four for the offer of free teas – most of us had to dash off – so apologies if no-one turned up. We also heard that Ruth and Rod had collected a bag of litter from in and around the Rectory pond and from the wilderness by Sainsbury’s car park – much of which they took home to recycle.

Many thanks to everyone who helped during the week either on the organised litter picks or individually. It was especially nice to welcome some new volunteers. Thanks also to the local businesses who offered us support (parking, refreshments etc).

Litter Picking Summary 1st->4th March 2017

On Wednesday 1st March, 14 Clean Team volunteers met up at Summerfields for the first of our 2 scheduled March litter picks. We also invited “Riverside/Your Place” who kindly sent along a team of 3 to join us.

The riverside team came in two trucks and concentrated on the Colshaw Farm estate. The Clean Team ventured far and wide – eastwards along Dean Row Road as far as the roundabout with Handforth Road, all around the Summerfields housing estate, down the slip road to the A34 bypass, down the footpath towards Wilmslow town centre, along Manchester Road, between Blue Bell crossroads and Styal Road junction, and along Stanneylands Road as far as the hotel.

A massive haul of 59 bags which we could not have acheived without the help of Riverside.

11 volunteers met at the Leisure Centre, on a bright and sunny morning, on Saturday 4th March, as part of our support for the Keep Britain Tidy’s “The Great British Spring Clean”.

We covered the town centre including the Leisure Centre area, the path from the station to the High School, Water Lane, part of Altrincham Road, Alderley Road (and some of the side streets), Macclesfield Road, Sainsbury’s car park, the gardens behind Hoopers, and Broadway,

We collected 20 bags altogether.

As always, it was lovely to welcome some new faces to our litter picks.

An impressive total of 79 bags collected over the 2 scheduled March picks.

We will carry on the good work in the annual Wilmslow Spring Clean which runs from 27th March -> 2nd April

Litter Picking Summary 1st->4th February 2017

Our volunteers met at The Parish Hall on Wednesday 1st February. We focussed on the Carrs and the surrounding roads including Cliff Road, parts of Styal Road, parts of Lacey Green, River Street, Church Street and Hawthorne Lane.

In addition, one of our volunteers, Chris, headed over to the Prestbury Link Road.

We collected 17 bags altogether.

Many thanks to Helen for standing in and leading the pick.

7 volunteers met at the Honey Bee on Saturday 4th February. We covered Altrincham Road between the Jim Evison playing fields and the Airport tunnels, the road from The Honey Bee to Morley Green, Eccups Lane, the first part of Burleyhurst Lane, the old road in front of Airport Inn and the connecting road (old Styal Road) back to the A538 roundabout.

The Honey Bee have very kindly offered to provide us with a free coffee when we base future litter picks there – much appreciated.

13 more bags were collected making a total of 30 altogether over the 2 scheduled February picks.

Thanks to everyone who helped out.

Litter Picking Summary 4th->7th January 2017

For the first scheduled litter pick of 2017, 4 volunteers met in Lacey Green on Wednesday 4th January and collected 9 bags of litter, 1 bag of sand, and assorted bits and pieces. The Park was covered along with parts of Barlow Road, Twinnies Road, Egerton Road and Cliff Road by the Parish Hall.

In addition, one of our volunteers, Ann, collected 2 bags on Knutsford Road.

11 volunteers met at the Leisure Centre on a damp and murky morning on Saturday 7th January.

We focussed on the town centre including the Leisure Centre car park and pond areas, Alderley Road, Manchester Road, Mill Street, Church Lane, Parkway and Sainsbury’s car park.

Parkway was very dirty and so was Sainsbury’s car park. We will need to find out who is responsible for maintaining the car park and surrounding bushes. We may need a further blitz there in the Spring Clearn which we are planning for March. There was one car park spot where a dozen half filled bottles of water had been thrown into the bushes – presumably someone likes to go there every day and throw their bottle away.

We were really pleased to welcome 2 new volunteers – newcomers are always welcome – there never seems to be a shortage of litter!

We collected a total of 24 bags, some recyclables, a broken traffic cone and a shopping basket.

So – a great start to 2017 with 35 bags collected.

Litter Picking Summary 7th->10th December 2016

7 volunteers met at the Farmer’s Arms on Wednesday 7th December. We focussed on Chapel Lane, Moor Lane and the surrounding area, collecting about 7 bags altogether.

6 volunteers met at Summerfields on Saturday 10th December. We covered the surrounding area, parts of Colshaw Drive, the slip road to the by-pass, Dean Row Road and Manchester Road (from Dean Row Road to the Handforth border). The green space between Colshaw Drive and Howty Close was in a bad state – we will try to find out who is responsible for maintaining this area. We collected about 19 bags of rubbish and took some recyclables home to put in the grey bin.

So – 26 bags were collected in total at our 2 scheduled December litter picks.

We would like to thank all our volunteers and supporters for their help during 2016 and with them all a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Litter Picking Summary 2nd->5th November 2016

Perfect weather attracted a total of 15 people to the Leisure Centre on Wednesday 2nd for the first of our 2 scheduled November litter picks.

We were really pleased to be supported by 2 local businesses : 3 new volunteers (Elinor, Leam & Ella Pearson) from Q Hotels (Mottram Hall) and 2 of our regular helpers (Michelle & Rebecca) from the Yorkshire Building Society. Massive thanks for your help and on-going support.

New volunteers are always most welcome and it was nice to welcome Joseph for the first time too.

We focussed on the area immediately around the Leisure Centre, Sainsbury’s car park, Manchester Rd to the viaduct and Water Lane up to and around the Police Station.

21 bags of litter were collected altogether which is a fantastic effort.

The most unusual finds of the day were a set of reasonable quality metal Boules (which we dropped off at a charity shop), a used pair of female knickers (which we didn’t !) and a stick like ball thrower.

6 volunteer’s met at The Honey Bee on Saturday 5th November and worked along Altrincham Road down to the airport tunnels.

A total of 11 bags were collected along with 1 bag of recyclables. Another good effort.

One very unusual and alarming find was a carrier bag hung on a tree that was full of diesel!

So – altogether we collected 33 bags at our 2 November picks

Well done everyone – hope to see you all in December.

Litter Picking Summary 5th->8th October 2016

7 volunteers met at the King’s Arms on Wednesday 5th October. We covered the full length of Alderley Road (from the A34 roundabout to the Leisure Centre), the ‘town’ end of Knutsford Road, Chapel Lane, Victoria Road, Albert Road, Holly Road South, Bedells Lane, Hawthorn Road and part of Altrincham Road by Little Lindow. We collected 13 bags of litter and an old tyre. A further bag of cans were recycled. We were very pleased to have a new volunteer with us.

7 volunteers met at Lindow Common on Saturday 8th October. We covered Lindow Common, Racecourse Road, Altrincham Road (down as far as Waters) parts of Mobberley Road etc. We collected 10 bags of litter and a wheel hub. We took home 3 smaller bags of cans and bottles for re-cycling. We also reported 2 tyres that have been fly tipped near Lindow Common to the council.

Some of our volunteers have also been out and about on their own. Viv collected 3 bags around Gorsey Road, Broadwalk etc. Ann collected 2 bags in Stoney Lane, South Oak playground, South Oak Lane and Nursery Lane.

So, we have collected at least 28 bags of litter and some recyclables.

We are now planning the November litter picks. New volunteers are very welcome. We are delighted that “Q Hotels” are planning to send 4 of their team to help out in November.

Litter Picking Summary 7th->10th September 2016

5 Clean Team members met in Summerfields carpark on Wednesday 7th September. We were joined by 6 staff from the Riverside Housing Your Place project. We focussed on the area around Summerfields, Colshaw Drive etc.

In total we collected a massive haul of 24 bags of litter plus various items such as part of a kitchen worksurface, a curtain rail, a bicycle wheel, a hubcap.

8 volunteers met at the Leisure Centre on Saturday 10th September. We focussed on the Leisure Centre – including the pond area which is currently being rejuvenated to attract wildlife. We also tackled parts of the town centre including Sainsbury’s car park, Broadway, Parkway, Alderley Road, Knutsford Road etc.

We collected 15 bags of rubbish altogether and some recyclables. We also discovered some kitchen units that had been fly-tipped in the trees separating the two parts of Sainsbury’s car park – we have informed the council.

So – an impressive 39 bags of rubbish altogether this month (plus the recyclables)

Thanks everyone.

Litter Picking Summary 3rd->6th August 2016

10 volunteers met at The Honey Bee on Wednesday 3rd August. We focussed on Altrincham Road from the Jim Evison playing fields to the airport tunnels, the whole length of Morley Green Road, the green at Morley Green and the old road near the Britannia Airport Inn. We collected 13 bags of litter along with some polystyrene, a lorry mud flap and 2 lengths of industrial plastic.

Our environmental efforts continue to impove as a whole bag of plastic bottles and cans was taken home for recycling.

8 volunteers met at The Parish Hall on Saturday 6th August. We focussed on the Carrs and surrounding roads (e.g. Styal Road, Cliff Road).

A member of the public had contacted us about the litter probelm at St Olaf’s Chapel. 3 of our volunteers (Ade, Sally and Chris) headed to the chapel which is a ruin in the woods above the Carrs. We cleaned the litter along the path and around the ruin itself. There was some litter – but not as much as we were expecting. It was interesting to discover the old ruin though.

We collected 13 bags of litter and also took home some cans and bottles for recycling.

A health total of 26 bags of litter and some recylcables – well done everybody!

Wilmslow CleanTeam

Volunteer group helping to clean up the litter in Wilmslow