A COMMUNITY group in Northwich is encouraging people of the town to not let Covid-19 restrictions on social gatherings stop them keeping local areas clean and tidy.

Litter Heroes Assemble Northwich aims to inspire people to come together to keep all areas clean and tidy while setting a good example to its younger residents.

Lee Siddall, one of the organisers of the group, said the issue of litter in many areas of the town was something that can be greatly improved by making small efforts, as he encouraged people to do their bit.

He said: "We were planning a big litter pick back in September last year and then the Rule of Six restrictions came into place.

"I had hoped that event would have been a big thing to promote in the town and we had planned to all meet up outside Northwich Radio, but had to cancel it.

"So now, although restrictions are still in place and likely to get even stricter, we've decided to try and hold one at the beginning of each month and encourage people to just take part in their own areas.

"We're asking them to post pictures on the Litter Heroes Assemble Northwich Facebook page which we hope will encourage more people to get involved and grow it from there."

The first of the monthly litter picks took place across several locations in Northwich over the weekend (January 2 and 3) including in Castle, Kingsmead and Rudheath.

"So although we're not going out in big groups like we have done in the past, we're encouraging families to do their bit while out on a walk.

"Hopefully it will just inspire more people to go out and take a bit of pride in where they live.

"We've had a lot of success in getting younger people involved recently and I was actually joined by my son Alfie on our local pick around Castle over the weekend.

"We just go out on a bit of a loop around Navigation Road, Spencer Street and Chester Road and we normally always get a good bagful of litter.

"I'm really happy with the amount of people who participated."

As well as trying to instil more responsible behaviour in existing and future residents of the town, the long term goal of the project is to try and identify certain types of local businesses who are contributing more than others to litter pollution.

"Last month I spoke at the Northwich Town Council meeting," Lee explained.

"It looks like we're going to have a meeting with McDonald's later this week regarding litter and trying to get them to help out with a campaign.

"The problem we have with the likes of McDonald's is that there is so much packaging but ultimately it is changing the mindset of customers who will dispose of that rubbish on the floor rather than the bin.

"As we seem to be heading into another lockdown, I'd just really urge people just think about the impact litter has on the environment and wildlife and do the right thing.

"The Town Council have been a really great support of our campaigns and have been on hand to lend equipment if and when it is needed."