A litter picker has warned people that they will notice a difference in the cleanliness of the streets during the lockdown as volunteers are forced to give up their tidying.

The network of litter pickers working across the borough will have to put their efforts on hold for the time being because of the coronavirus.

Andy Capstick, who founded and organises the volunteer group for Astley Bridge, said: "It was announced on Tuesday that we can't do anymore litter picking. It's frustrating, I feel like a bird trapped in a cage.

"Obviously we have to cease it at the minute because the council cannot collect our green bags, but what will it look like after all this, when we can't pick anything up?"

Andy, 59, who's been litter picking for two years, established the group three months ago, following the success of the Litter Pickers of North Bolton Facebook group.

Andy said: "We did a big clear up recently on the banks of the River Croal near Spa Road and collected 2000 bags during 15 visits. We found furniture, carpets and even two toilets.

"In other areas we've found bags of clothes which could have been donated to a charity shop. You can't make it up, the stuff you find.

"I've lived here for 24 years and I look after my local area, if everybody did their bit there wouldn't be any rubbish."

In spite of the current situation, Andy remains hopeful for the future.

He said: "We've asked the council to get some wild flower seeds for the riverbank, which will improve it.

"We want to get more people involved, it's a community thing as well. It's about trying to make the place better.

"People can make a difference to the area, you don't have to accept it as it is."