Be proud of Burtonwood and pick up litter to clean the village tidy.

These are the words of the chairman of the Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council Cllr Kevin Burgess after he spearheaded a summer litter pick to keep the village clean.

Residents and councillors were out in force picking up litter as part of the initiative.

Around 40 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help clean up the area after concerns were raised by a number of residents.

Cllr Burgess said: "It went really well. We covered most of Burtonwood and Collins Green.

"As the chairman of the parish council I have had quite a few people say the borough council do not do enough to clean up the litter so I decided I would do something off my own back.

"I love where I live and I know that many others feel the same.

"It's basically about everyone taking action in the place where they live."

Following the success of the litter pick, Cllr Burgess has vowed to organise another one in the future but has called on those who live in the village to take pride in where they live.

Those who would like to see a cleaner village have been urged to pick up any litter while they are out and about.

Cllr Burgess said: "I often walk past a piece of litter and pick it up. It would be great if others could do the same."

Residents who live in hotspot areas for fly-tipping will also receive a letter through their doors with information about how to dispose of their unwanted items responsibly.

A large tip was packed with dumped items including mattress that had been illegally disposed of in alleyways.

Cllr Burgess wanted to remind residents that those who are caught fly-tipping and littering could face a hefty fine.