Rubbish dumped in these Preston neighbourhoods 'weighed the same as two double decker buses'

More than 20 tonnes of waste was gathered up across two areas of Preston after volunteers, the city council and local organisations swung into action to give the streets a clean up. -

The Fishwick and St Matthew’s wards saw a swat team hit the ground from early last Wednesday morning.

Preston City Council says roads and alleyways were cleared of rubbish equating to the weight of around two double decker buses.

Fourteen “enforcement actions” were also taken during the day of action, which was part of the Keep Britain Tidy campaign’s ‘Great British Spring Clean’.

Meanwhile, residents were offered advice and support on everything from recycling to reporting concerns about fly-tipping.

Housing associations Places for People and Community Gateway - along with Lancashire Police and the Community Payback initiative - were all involved.

Mark Taylor, interim director of environment and property at the city council, said the collective effort “highlights what can be achieved when partners, staff and residents come together”.

“Through the Prosper Partnership and the Great British Spring Clean, we’ve had a meaningful impact in…helping to create cleaner and safer streets.

“We’re grateful to everyone involved, specifically the volunteers, and encourage residents to keep playing their part by disposing of waste responsibly. We welcome residents to make a Green Pledge, more information about [which] can be found on our website.”

Preston Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Adam Pearson added: “The Prosper Partnership brings police, the council, and a wide range of agencies into one coordinated effort, all focused on improving safety, supporting residents and tackling the issues that matter most to the community in St Matthew’s and Fishwick.

“Our officers are proud to stand alongside our partners to make a real and visible difference, and we’ll continue working collectively to help these neighbourhoods thrive.”