An incredible group of 23 volunteers took time out of their Sunday to participate in our latest Park Bridge community litter pick.
Together, this brilliant group, which included friends from Waterloo Action, removed 34 bags of rubbish and more than 30 nitrous oxide canisters, revealing a shocking level of recreational drug use in the Park Bridge area.
The alarming volume of waste canisters highlights an urgent need to tackle anti-social behavior in our community.
The Dangers of Nitrous Oxide Abuse
Inhaling nitrous oxide carries a high risk of dizziness or falling unconscious. This not only poses a serious threat to the individual but also to the general public and our local environment, especially when the substance is used while driving.
As a reminder, nitrous oxide is classified as a Class C drug. Illegal possession can result in a two-year prison sentence, an unlimited fine, or both. Supplying someone else with the drug carries even harsher penalties, including up to 14 years in prison.
Park Bridge is a historic area situated within sites of biological importance. This rising trend of recreational drug use poses a significant threat to residents, visitors, wildlife, and vulnerable road users alike.
Urgent Action on Local Fly-Tipping
During the litter pick, volunteers also came across four significant fly-tipping incidents. These were immediately reported and escalated as urgent by Waterloo Ward Councilor Sangita Patel.
The sheer scale of the dumped waste is shocking, but sadly no longer unusual. Fly-tipping has become an almost daily issue for our neighborhood. While this is deeply frustrating for residents and visitors, community action like our recent clean-up sends a clear, united message: Park Bridge is not a dumping ground.
Thank You to Our Volunteers!
All collected bags have been reported to the council and will be removed in the coming days.
A massive thank you to everyone who gave up their time, supported the event, helped report fly-tipping, and demonstrated exactly what positive community action can achieve.
Watch this space for details of our next upcoming community litter pick in Park Bridge.
Please help by reporting fly-tipping in Park Bridge
If you see fly-tipping or littering:
- Report it to Tameside Council:Â Report fly-tipping here
- Note the exact location and, if safe, take a photo
- If you witness someone dumping waste, do not approach them, but record vehicle details if possible
Every report helps stop fly-tippers and keep Park Bridge clean. Find out more here.