Horwich community group receive donation from United Utilities

A local volunteer group, Horwich Clean Up Brigade, has received a valuable boost to their community clean-up and conservation efforts, courtesy of a donation from United Utilities.

The group, based in Horwich, is a small voluntary organisation that works hard to improve the local beauty spot and surrounding area for all to enjoy. The group is run entirely by volunteers who are passionate about keeping Horwich tidy.

The group’s primary focus is on litter picking and maintaining public spaces across Horwich including Rivington and Blackrod, but their efforts also extend to various community projects and environmental initiatives such as repairing gates and fences. These events aim to reduce litter and promote environmental awareness among residents.

With the group solely relying on equipment donations from the general public, the volunteers were without the correct tools required to carry out their vital work and so enlisted the help of United Utilities, to provide them with the equipment they needed.

Volunteers met with River Rangers from the North West’s water company as they handed over the equipment. The donation consisted of items such as PPE, litter pickers, rakes, spades and wheelbarrows, so that the volunteers can continue and expand their efforts safely and efficiently.

Charlene Bessell from Horwich Clean Up Brigade explained: “The partnership between us and United Utilities was initiated whilst I was on furlough during lockdown - I was litter picking in the local area, as was fellow local resident, Paul, we both began chatting about our passion for keeping the area tidy and he made me aware of the community funding that United Utilities offered. 

“Our work covers everything – we clean up ginnels, alleyways and footpaths. We’re completely community funded and we have been relying on equipment donations from others. It’s important to us that our volunteers are as safe as possible and are using the correct equipment.”

United Utilities Catchment Controller, Paul Ashcroft added: “I enjoy getting out and about to help clean up the local area - having lived here all my life, its good to give something back to the community in a professional capacity. It’s fantastic to see a group of likeminded individuals come together to improve the area.”

The United Utilities’ Community Fund supports community groups whose activities:

• Benefit local watercourses and riverside environments
• Act as catalyst for improved community and environmental wellbeing
• Reconnect communities to riverside environments
• Promote sustainable drainage

Groups can apply to the fund for up to £2,500 worth of support by emailing:  Stakeholderrelations@uuplc.co.uk with details of their request.