A DEDICATED team of volunteers were able to showcase their work to one of the town’s MPs this week.

Warrington South MP Andy Carter joined members of Latchford Litter Network for a litter pick, all wrapped up with plenty of layers, gloves and high-visibility vests.

This came after the team was joined by Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols in Orford in the summer.

Before 2020, the old street litter bins in Latchford used to overflow regularly at weekends and litter would blow around the village.

Since the first lockdown however, this has changed for the better, with a Saturday morning litter team forming and growing into a regular social session.

Litter pick member Tony Dixon said: “Andy was very willing to discuss local issues while tidying the car park with us.

MP Andy Carter with members of Latchford Litter Network

MP Andy Carter with members of Latchford Litter Network

“It was an unusual setting, but he fielded our questions about the chances of a new hospital for Warrington and discussed local business funding for community groups.

“He knows Latchford well and appeared genuinely supportive of what we do.

“Aside from politics, Andy also shows a lot of potential as a litter picker. He has a purposeful approach and was not put off by stubborn frozen items, which was good to see.”

The litter pick saw the team collect nine bags of litter, with Tony adding: “We are a non-political group, happy to work with elected representatives across the political spectrum to improve our town.

“Both our local MPs declared solid environmental credentials, and showed not only a natural litter-picking ability, but also a good sense of humour.

MP Andy Carter with members of Latchford Litter Network

MP Andy Carter with members of Latchford Litter Network

“We are delighted to welcome both Andy Carter and Charlotte Nichols as honorary members of our litter teams in 2022, and we hope they shall join us again in 2023.

“If you would like to volunteer for litter-picking with one of our local teams, please find us at litternetworks.org.”

Mr Carter said: “It was an early, wintry, start with volunteers Nick, Tony and the brilliant Latchford Litter Network in Latchford village helping to keep the streets free from litter.

“The team are out up to three times a week collecting all kinds of rubbish that is left on the streets, helping to put some pride in our streets and keep the area looking great.

“Thanks for such a warm welcome. It was great to also see the genuinely positive response from local people passing by, thanking them for their work.”