An environmental campaigner battling the scourge of fly-tipping in Heywood says the pressure group he formed a year ago to get the problem taken seriously is having a 'positive effect'.
Hopwood man Michael Bratby formed the Heywood Environmental Group 12 months ago after 'becoming depressed' at the amount of fly-tipping in the area.
The group now has 250 members on Facebook and is growing rapidly as residents buy into his concept of restoring pride around the town.
READ MORE: 'A nightmare': Chef Gary Usher 'gutted' after having to close Hispi and Kala
Michael said: "Heywood was an area ravaged by fly-tipping. A lot of people moved away or died and there was a lot of rental property.
"There are these alleyways which kept getting clogged up with rubbish and the council (Rochdale) seemed to wash their hands of the problem.
"But now they've embraced the issue and upped their game on fly-tipping and I applaud them for that."
Michael said he 'took it upon myself' to knock on doors and ask people to get involved with his campaign to clean up Heywood.
"There is sporadic dumping in Heywood," he said. "As well as cleaning the place up, it's also about education."
One of the main areas of concern is the Plum Mill estate. Michael photographed some rubbish left at Egerton Street and sent it to the Rochdale council and it has now been removed.
"This is about raising awareness and building community spirit," continued Michael.
He said he had a 'positive interaction' with Councillor Liam O'Rourke, Rochdale's cabinet member for environment and facilities.
"We have spoken regarding the issues surrounding alleyway fly-tipping, and hopefully in the new year there's a good possibility that more officers will be on the ground interacting with residents in areas plagued by the problem."
