Chorlton Brook Pickers receive donation to help look after local area

Chorlton Brook Pickers group has received a welcome boost to their community clean-up efforts, thanks to a donation from United Utilities.

The group, based in Chorlton, was presented with tools for litter picking as part of United Utilities’ Community Fund to help clean up the popular water course that flows through Chorlton Nature Reserve into the River Mersey.

Chorlton Brook Pickers is made up of a group of friends, who regularly meet to litter pick on and around the Brook. Over the years, the area has unfortunately become a popular spot for fly tipping and so, the group also monitor the water closely, attempting to remove any illegally dumped items where possible.   

Earlier this month, Chorlton Brook Pickers met with River Rangers from the North West’s water company as they handed over the equipment and embarked on a litter pick together.

United Utilities provided the local group with PPE kit such as water waders and gloves, alongside bags and litter picking equipment to help the team clean up safely and efficiently.

Peter Dennis, from Chorlton Brook Pickers, commented: “We are delighted with the new equipment provided by United Utilities through its Community Fund. Our community strongly values nature and biodiversity and we are keen to improve the local environment wherever we can. The new kit will allow us to continue our work to improve the condition of Chorlton Brook by removing litter, notably plastic which can find its way into the River Mersey potentially causing harm to wildlife.

Shy Bayly, United Utilities area engagement lead for Greater Manchester, added: “We’re really pleased to have been able to support Chorlton Brook Pickers, as working in partnership with local community groups is what the Community Fund is all about.

“They clearly have a lot of passion for improving their community and were just lacking the tools they needed to become more efficient - hopefully, this donation will encourage them to keep up their efforts.”

United Utilities’ Community Fund supports community groups whose activities:

• Benefit local watercourses and riverside environments
• Act as catalyst for improved community and environmental wellbeing
• Reconnect communities to riverside environments
• Promote sustainable drainage

Groups can apply to the fund for up to £2,500 worth of support by emailing  Stakeholderrelations@uuplc.co.uk with details of their request.