SALE Central Scouts and local councillors have joined forces to attempt to tackle the problem of littering in Broadheath.

The group have organised a mass litter picking event around Altrincham Retail Park and are looking for members of the community to join them.

One of the organisers, Carolyne Jones, said: “I'm fed up with all the bad news about plastics in the oceans and then walking around Sale to see litter every day. So, I want to do something about it in a big way - I want to get the message across to people to stop dropping litter.

“I know it might not change but I'm fed up of feeling helpless. The worst area we want to tackle is George Richards Way next to Broadheath Retail park.

“Sale Central Scouts are doing the litter pick as part of a badge and I’m expecting high numbers, but the amount of litter to collect is staggering.”

The litter pick will take place on Sunday January 28. The group will meet at 9:30am outside the B&M store at Altrincham Retail Park, George Richards Way.

Local councillor for Broadheath Ward, Amy Whyte is helping to organise the event. She said: “This is a great opportunity for the community to come together to show that we won’t tolerate litter on our streets.

“There is a huge fly-tipping and littering problem in the area which is set against a backdrop of failures by the council’s contractor, Amey, to deal with these issues.

“We’d like to see proper recycling bins installed and we’d like to see them emptied regularly by Amey.

“We’d also like to see Amey clearing pavements of leaves and other detritus which is leading to blocked drains and the problems associated with that. It’s fantastic that there is a group of residents who want to help and step in where Amey have failed.”

To help or able to lend any equipment, contact Cllr Amy Whyte on 07891 014 487.

One Trafford Partnership said they were surprised by the claims made.

A spokesperson for the One Trafford Partnership said: "Over the last three month period there has been 11 fly tipping incidents reported and 4 requests raised for cleansing in this area. All the incidents of fly tipping have been responded to, so we are surprised by these unfounded claims made, that this is a huge issue and the Council’s contractor is failing to deal with the issues.

"Keeping Trafford tidy, clean and green is one of our top priorities, and we know our residents are fed up with people who litter and fly tip. As of last week officers from Kingdom Environmental Enforcement Services began patrolling Stretford and Old Trafford in a pilot to crackdown on people littering and fly-tipping. These officers will issue £80 on-the-spot fines to anyone caught dropping litter, while fly-tippers will be fined £200, or face prosecution.

"In addition, as part of improvements to the recycling and the public litter bin infrastructure in the borough, the One Trafford Partnership will be to installing 300 trio litter bins across Trafford in the coming weeks with the Council investing almost £300,000. These litter bins will allow residents to recycle on the go with separate compartments for plastic bottles, paper and card and general waste that cannot be recycled.

"One Trafford Partnership have been clearing leaves during the autumn leaf fall and working hard across the borough to manage this winter programme, where often it is parked cars that slow down progress. There is significant levels of work underway, cleaning pavements and gullies in the borough as part of a winter clean programme. The Council would like to thank these hard working operatives, who have been out working in all weathers."