THE Urmston community has come together following an appeal in Messenger for residents to support an initiative to keep the town tidy.

The Urmston Partnership reckoned the area is looking a little shabby — and challenged residents to help to make it ‘blooming lovely’.

The partnership's honorary secretary, David Mackereth, said that since the article there had been 'overwhelming support' from the community to the appeal to launch an 'Urmston in Bloom' scheme.

He said the already established 'Urmston Wombles' group had 'come out of hibernation' to get things off to a flying start.

Around 30 people of all ages turned out on Sunday, August 13 to litter-pick, weed and generally tidy up in the centre of Urmston.

David said: "You may by now have noticed the absence of weeds on Station Bridge."

He added that support for Urmston in Bloom has been beyond all expectations and provided that funding can be obtained for the scheme, it is anticipated that the necessary equipment and resources will be in place for it to be officially launched by the Mayor of Trafford, Cllr. Jonathan Coupe, on Sunday, February 4 -in time for the full effects to be visible in summer 2018.

In the meantime, meetings are currently taking place with Trafford Council, Altrincham in Bloom and Timperley in Bloom and an inaugural public meeting of all interested parties is expected to take place in Urmston towards the end of September - the full details to be announced.

If you are interested in supporting the 'Urmston in Bloom' Scheme e-mail david@traffordevents.co.uk.

David added: "In the current financial climate it is probably unrealistic to expect Trafford Council to maintain the standards of the past. However, if we all do our bit then we can quickly make a significant improvement in our neighbourhood."