WATER watchdogs are hoping for a green new year in the hope that Bolton people will resist dumping their unwanted Christmas items in the town's rivers.

A bid to spruce up the town's waterways is underway as campaigners try to reduce the amount of rubbish piling up in Bolton beauty spots.

Water Watch, an anti-litter project for the Mersey Basin Campaign, warns that large items thrown into rivers and canals can increase the risk of flooding.

The bulky rubbish quickly form a dam across a stream or river causing blockages, the experts warn.

Andrew Coombe from Water Watch said: "Everyone can do their bit to clean-up local rivers and canals by following three easy steps this Christmas."

Advice includes asking Bolton Council for their Christmas tree re-cycling services, taking old toys to charity shops or local playgroup and recycling or re-using old cards and wrapping paper.

Mr Coombe added: "There is no simple solution to the problem of rubbish in the waterways and no single person or body can wave a magic wand and make it go away.

"However, everyone has a part to play in tackling the problem and we can all do our bit."

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