A resident in Ashton-in-Makerfield says littering and fly-tipping in the area have reached the worst levels he has ever seen and is calling for more action to tackle the problem.
Jake Musgrave, who has lived in the town for four years, believes the amount of rubbish being dumped locally has increased sharply in recent months.
In just one week, Jake says he collected more than 20 full bags of litter while carrying out daily clean-ups. He also reports removing 23 discarded nitrous oxide canisters during the same period.
“At this point, it feels endless,” he said. “I can clear an area completely and by the next day it’s back to how it was. This isn’t about a lack of volunteers, it’s about a lack of prevention and enforcement.”
Jake, who spends several hours a day litter-picking, says some parts of Ashton-in-Makerfield are being repeatedly targeted, including Greensway Car Park, Bolton Road and woodland behind Thomas Gerard’s Wetherspoons.
He believes more needs to be done to stop dumping in these areas.
“People are doing their bit, but the council needs to step up,” he said. “Residents shouldn’t be left to deal with this on their own.”
Despite his concerns, he says there have been encouraging signs of support.
Cansfield High School has contacted him to confirm it will work with him to help keep the school field and surrounding areas clean.
Ashton-in-Makerfield councillor Danny Fletcher has also asked Mr Musgrave to help identify locations where additional general waste bins and dog fouling bins could be installed.
Mr Musgrave hopes that with stronger action and continued community cooperation, the situation can improve.
“Ashton-in-Makerfield is a great place to live,” he said. “But it deserves better than this.”
Residents are encouraged to report fly-tipping directly to Wigan Council.
