Rossendale Council has launched a new scheme to help residents who want to do their bit for the community. Leader of the Council Alyson Barnes announced Council support for individuals who want to keep their clean and tidy by offering litter picking equipment for them to use.

The borough is blessed with a number of superb Pride groups, including Bacup Pride who are pictured, which have improved the borough enormously. The new scheme aims to encourage more people to help keep the area tidy but who may not want to join an established group or want to concentrated on a particular area.

The Council has funded a number of litter picking starter packs which includes a litter picker, bags, and helpful advice. Residents can apply for the packs through the Council’s Environmental Services Facebook page or email refuse@rossendalebc.gov.uk

Councillor Alyson Barnes, Leader of the Council, said: “Rossendale is blessed with people who really care about our wonderful borough.
Day in and day out, they go out, rain or shine, whether as part of an established group or on their own, and help keep our towns and villages neat and tidy.

“It’s no secret that Councils face tough times and budget cuts have hit us hard. It means we can’t do everything we want to do to improve the borough. We need to work with residents, businesses and partners to improve things. “The Council can also put in place support to make it easier for people to really make a difference which is why I am delighted to announce this new scheme. It aims to build on and complement the work that our community groups do already.”

Councillor Adrian Lythgoe, portfolio holder for Operations, said: “People spend hundreds of hours a year making the borough a better place. They are doing a superb job. “The Council needs to support them, recognise their effort and celebrate their successes.”