A FORMER railway line turned popular walking path has been targeted for a clean-up after a large spate of littering.

This path running from Rishton to Great Harwood, known as the white path, is the former rail line which is now a very popular walking area, especially as it is free of traffic.

However residents said a huge amount of litter has accumulated in the grassed and tree areas on each side of the path, which is most unsightly

The Church and Oswaldtwistle, Great Harwood and Rishton and Accrington & District Satellite Rotary Clubs teamed up with Brownies from the local St John’s pack together with their guardians and other volunteers to carry out the clean-up.

More than 70 bags of rubbish was collected during the operation near Railway Terrace and it was noticed that the bulk of the items collected, about 90 per cent was made up of plastic, with bottles and cans making up the remainder.

Cllr Noordad Aziz, who represents the Netherton ward in Great Harwood on Hyndburn Council, praised the work of volunteers carrying out the project in the area for the first time.

He said: "I think it is a wonderful initiative and its really spruced up the area.

"People talk about doing this but getting out and down and dirty is what it's all about.

"Some of the people who took part were elderly, so especially thanks to them, but these were all people giving up their own time for nothing.

"The work from the Rotary club and volunteers has just been absolutely fantastic, you can see that from the number of bags collected."

The litter pick was under threat due to wet weather conditions which left the grass in a boggy state, but volunteers persisted to carry out the clean-up.

Organisers said further litter picks may well have to be organised during the coming months to continue to fight the problem.

Rotary volunteers said it is important residents see this kind of involvement from local volunteers and work to improve the appearance of the local environment in the future.

Organiser and Rotarian Ian McTurk said “Unfortunately there is so much litter to collect in this area, it will need a further session to clean before the spring/summer growth commences.

"Any local volunteers who would be willing to help out, please keep an eye on the website and Facebook pages of your local Rotary clubs.

"Thank you to all who helped out.”