A community litter pick is set to take place this weekend, as they aim to “keep Walkden beautiful together.”
The litter pick will be held in association by Salford Great British Spring Clean and the newly launched Walkden in Bloom on Saturday 5 April.
Walkden in Bloom is a community-driven environmental initiative aimed at enhancing the aesthetic appeal, environmental sustainability, and community spirit of Walkden.
Founded by Councillor Irfan Syed and local residents Paul Whitelegg, it operates on a voluntary basis, with a team of passionate local residents dedicating their time and efforts to improve the town’s appearance.
Paul Whitelegg shared how the Walkden in Bloom project began, he said: “We have spent months on this project, and we asked the community what they want to see – and someone had to get this ball rolling.
“So, I contacted Cllr. Irfan Syed to see if he would like to support me on this idea, and we worked out how to get funding and how could we get other organisations involved.”
He continued: “We went around to all the volunteer organisations in Walkden, like Friends of Parr Fold Park, Friends of Walkden Station, Step into Action and many others to talk to them as we want to link to them all.
“And then we created the group, and we were able to secure some funding, with support from ForHousing and some funding council also.”
The group will be looking to ensure that community look after one another and also looking at starting a project in the town council by creating a community allotment and gardens.
“The aim is to create the Walkden Garden of Life, as because as Walkden continues to grow into a bigger town – we want places for people to have spaces they can retreat to.
“And we will be launching the Walkden in Bloom this weekend at the litter pick,” added Paul.
And this weekend the group are encouraging schools, charities, businesses, and community groups to help make a real impact, as they will be invited to meet together at the Hug in A Mug, High Street Walkden from 10:30am to clean the town together.
From the litter pick it will hope to showcase the benefits that can be made to the community that include increasing green spaces, reducing pollution, and supporting biodiversity.
As well as increasing community engagement, civic pride, educational opportunities for students to ensure a legacy of care to the environment and making Walkden a more sustainable place to be.
And these values were encouraged by Paul Whitelegg, who said: “We have community groups coming, and showing support which should be good for all involved so we can care for the area – cause we thinks its the best place to be. ”
Attendees are being encouraged to wear comfortable clothing, shoes, gloves and bring litter pickers – whilst gloves and litter pickers can be provided.
On socials they also shared: “Whether you can spare 30 minutes or an hour, your participation matters.
“Just show up and help out! It’s a great way to meet new people, get fresh air, and make Walkden shine!
The litter pick group will also be encouraging pedestrians and residents to bring their pets, as they continued: “We’d love to see your furry friends getting involved and having fun.”
The community litter pick will aim to bring every together through cleaning the community, before they will add beautiful plants and planters around town.
Paul continued: “We are putting in the first planter to show the community that this is happening, and that the Walkden in Bloom has started.
“This will hopefully encourage residents to adopt their own planters, because if it is a resident not only will it get them out of the house, but it will encourage it to look after it.
“We will plant them in their name or in memory of somebodies name. And people will look after them then, and it will give people something to be proud of.”
Paul continued to reference that the town used to have history, with the coal mines, cotton mills, and the sense of community that is disappearing.
“Walkden is soleless, but we want to showcase that we have a community and a community that is together, and we have future generations that have the chance to put us on the map where we belong.”
And with the first planter being unveiled after the first litter pick, it will mark the start of the Walkden in Bloom in the community on Saturday 5 April.
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