A school in Derker has helped to pick up 12 bin bags’ worth of rubbish throughout Derker.

Pupils from Woodlands Primary Academy worked alongside members of Friends of Stoneleigh Park, First Choice Homes Oldham, and Cllr Angela Cosgrove to clear 12 bags worth of rubbish.

Rubbish was cleared from around Masefield Rod and Shakespeare Road, then along the track at the back of Shakespeare Road, towards St Theresa’s RC Primary School.

Cllr Angela Cosgrove, who joined in with the litter pick, said: “Keeping our community tidy is a priority for the council and our partners First Choice Homes Oldham as we want a clean, green and safe borough.

“We are determined to improve people’s lives and our communities. The children involved from Woodlands were enthusiastic, knowledgeable and are a credit to the school in wanting to make a difference in their community.

“FCHO have supported Don’t Trash Oldham since the start and we’d like to see more residents, schools and organisations getting behind this important campaign.

“Clean-ups like this build on the work council teams and FCHO are doing every day.

“The vast majority of people who live round here look after the neighbourhood but everyone needs to do their bit and dispose of their waste properly. If they don’t then the council will investigate and take action.”

Rachael Evason, First Choice Homes neighbourhood coordinator for Derker said: “This community litter pick was a terrific team effort – huge thanks to everyone for coming together and helping to improve your local area.

“The school pupils and volunteers really rose to the challenge of clearing the litter and were delighted with how much they collected at the end, though they were also disappointed to see so much rubbish dumped in the first place.

“The school and Friends of Stoneleigh Park are setting an excellent example for others and showing how everyone can do their bit to help tackle littering in neighbourhoods. Well done to everyone who took part.”

Laura Humble, Vice Principal at Woodlands Primary Academy said: “As a Rights Respecting School we are always keen to be involved and help to drive initiatives to improve our local community.

“Our children have been telling us that they feel unsafe playing outside when the streets are covered with rubbish. They asked the adults in school to help them to find a way to access their right to have a safe area to play outside of school.

“By joining forces with Friends of Stoneleigh Park and FCHO we’ve been able to step up this campaign and seen a real and immediate impact on our doorsteps.

“Our children can’t wait to see where this campaign takes them next.”