Litter picking and balsam bashing
THE Uppermill Community Action Network (UCAN) volunteers have been working in partnership with a range of agencies and people committed to helping keep the canalside village clean and tidy and protecting the local wildlife.
UCAN and Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council (OMBC) worked alongside one another as part of the Don't Trash Oldham campaign which sees Oldham Council staff out and about across the borough, including Saddleworth, conducting additional cleaning up of litter and fly-tipping.
Other activities saw UCAN working in partnership with the volunteers from Greenfield Street Scene on a combined ‘balsam bash’. Covid restrictions prevented clearance for nearly three years with the result that the balsam has spread extensively over the period and now presents a much bigger problem.
The combined efforts achieved excellent results and the volunteers managed to clear two large areas and hopefully restrict future growth.
The most enjoyable activity of the day was a collective gathering at the end of the various sessions to just sit together, enjoy the glorious village views and the sunshine and reflect on the day’s work over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits.
Thanks go to local Tesco Community Champion Greg Barratt, who regularly supports and joins in UCAN’s activities, for providing refreshments.
Work parties will take place in September on Saturday 10 and Thursday 29. UCAN is always pleased to welcome new volunteers and anyone who would like further information should contact Peter Killan on 01457 878361 or email peterkillan@ hotmail.com