Residents say shift grot spots (From Warrington Guardian)

Residents say shift grot spots

NORTHWICH residents say it is high time something is done about the amount of grot spots causing a blight on the town.

As reported previously in the Guardian, Northwich came second to last in Cheshire's Community Pride Competition last year, due to shabby areas in the town that have seen no improvement in years.

Since then several people have contacted the Guardian with their concerns about the state of the town and residents want to see action taken to prevent it from becoming an eyesore.

One reader said: "Every morning as I drive into the Jubilee and Waterways car park the sight makes my heart sink and spoils the day.

"We're supposed to be a tourist town but people will go elsewhere if an effort isn't made to clean up Northwich.

"It's embarrassing. If I were a visitor I wouldn't bother coming again."

Stuart Hogg, president of Northwich and District Heritage Society, said he has spotted several 'undesirable' areas in the town.

He said: "The broken fence panels and abandoned shopping trolley at the back of the Salvation Army citadel are a symbol of the degradation at various points in the town."

He added: "Middlewich has its own volunteer group and they have done a fantastic job with the town. Why can't people in Northwich get together and form something like Middlewich Clean Team?"

Steve Sharman, chief executive of Northwich Town Council, said: "We are quite concerned about the number of letters that have been written about this issue and it will be on the agenda at our next meeting."

Arthur Neil, from Northwich Council for Voluntary Services, said his organisation would be willing to help any volunteers wanting to set up a group aimed at keeping the town tidy.