Residents in Bolton will be holding a sponsored litter pick to fund a new war memorial for a local park.
Morris Green residents are campaigning for a new obelisk to be erected in Morris Green Park in efforts to spruce up their area.
In order to raise money for the new monument, members of a local litter picking group, Morris Green Litter Pickers, will be holding a sponsored litter pick in the park at 9am this Sunday (June 26).
Carole Jegede, aged 63, of Morris Green Litter Pickers, spoke about why they want the memorial to be erected.
She said: “We just want to make Morris Green a nicer place. It used to be a lovely place so we want to make the park a focal point for people.”
She spoke on what kind of monument the group would like to be erected.
Carole said: “We would like an obelisk because we feel that’s less likely to get stolen or damaged.”
She outlined where people can donate to help the group’s efforts, saying:
“In Go Local and Armstrongs Bakery on Morris Green Lane and in the Salvation Army charity shop on St Helens Road, people can make donations in those shops cause not everybody has got internet.”
Online donations are also possible. If you’d like to do so, message Friends of Morris Green on Facebook and admin Suzanne Westwell will give you the bank details for donations.
Councillor Shafi Patel of Hulton ward spoke about the importance of the war memorial.
He said: "It is very important, we had a constructive meeting and we're supportive of the idea of the war memorial.
"We just need to identify the location and make sure that it is not open to vandalism."
He spoke on whether there would be any specific dedication on the war memorial, saying:
"It is open for discussion with local people and see what they would like to have.
"They could identify a war, or maybe local fallen heroes."
Shafi also stressed the importance of litter picking.
He said: "It is great to see local people wanting to litter pick in the area.
"As ward councillors we can help and support wherever we can and encourage people not to fly tip."
Morris Green Litter Pickers are welcoming anyone who wants to take part in the pick as well as donations.
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