Litter pickers in Bolton have already collected over 100 bags and reported multiple heavy items dumped since the New Year.

Andy Capstick from Astley Bridge has been making a difference throughout the borough for years and has carried on his good work at the beginning of 2023.

On New Year’s Day, he and friend Paul Sykes collected 32 bags and three recycling bags full on Waters Meeting Road in Astley Bridge.

And on Tuesday, January 3 he went out alongside Highfield Litter Pickers led by Karen Liptrot, collecting 79 bags and unearthing all kinds of household items such as cushions, duvets, a sofa, a mattress and scooters at Century Lodge, Farnworth.

The Bolton News: Litter bags lined up at Century LodgeLitter bags lined up at Century Lodge (Image: Andy Capstick)

After bagging up the refuse he often leaves them in the area he found them as he “likes to make a statement”.

“This is the real Bolton. It’s a mess,” he said.

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“I post pictures on UK litter pickers sites, and they can’t believe how much we have in Bolton despite hundreds of volunteers.

“I came here in 1996 from Cumbria and I’ve seen it decline and get dirtier.

“I’m busy five, six, seven days a week. I need to stop because I’ve got my own stuff to sort out but it’s addictive.

The Bolton News: Fly tip found at Century Lodge Fly tip found at Century Lodge (Image: Andy Capstick)

He added: “It’s all about education and if that doesn’t work then enforcement.

“Schools should be teaching children about the environment, recycling, looking after animals and other people.

“If they learn it from a young age, they’ll carry on doing it.”

Andy is full of praise for the many other pickers throughout the borough who tidy up after others. He singled out Karen for particular praise.

He said: “Karen’s done an amazing job. She works full time and she’s transformed Highfield.”

The Bolton News: Litter found on Waters Meeting RoadLitter found on Waters Meeting Road (Image: Andy Capstick)

With people often wanting to make a positive change in their lives at this time of year, Andy says that anyone wanting to make a difference to their local area can do so easily.

“You don’t need to join a group or be on social media. You can get pickers and some green bags from Neighbourhood Services and go out on your own. Even if people just tidied up their own street.

“If every person in Bolton picked up five bits of litter each – imagine. When I take the dogs out, I always pick something up.”

Andy’s Litter Pickers of Astley Bridge facebook group can be found at - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2699365020185160.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18.