Bags of rubbish captured in community litter pick in Nantwich

A community litter pick and alleyway clean-up in Nantwich has been hailed “a great success” after volunteers transformed Cow Fields alleyway.

Volunteers joined the litter picking team on Snowhill with Sustainable Nantwich before heading to Cow Fields which links Beam Street, the library, the pharmacy and the police station to the estate.

They wanted to tackle long-standing concerns of local residents about overgrown weeds, nettles and litter.

After three hours of work, the alleyway was smartened up, with 12 bags of rubbish collected for removal the following morning.

But beyond the visible improvements, volunteers said the most memorable part of the day was the overwhelming support from residents, workers and passers-by, many of whom stopped to offer thanks and encouragement.

Nantwich resident and Direct Access employee Craig Acton said: “The clean-up will make a huge difference to me.

“As a person who is registered blind, overgrown nettles and foliage really affect my ability to get around safely.”

Residents from Manor Court, the Gresty buildings and Lavender House were among those who stopped to speak to the team, with one local man even bringing tulips as a thank you.

Volunteers also met people travelling through the alleyway on foot, by mobility scooter and skateboard, all of whom highlighted how important the route is as a busy everyday thoroughfare.

Nantwich Town Councillor Anna Burton, who led the alleyway clean-up, said: “It was incredibly heart-warming to hear so many people stop to thank us.

“More importantly, the day sent a powerful message about accessibility and creating public spaces that work for everyone.

“Several people spoke to us about the real difference this clean-up would make to their daily lives.

“This was about far more than tidying up an alleyway – it was about making it safer, more welcoming and more accessible for the whole community.”