MY car was off the road this week and I was obliged to walk to and from my home in Waterfoot for a couple of days.

The journey took me along Burnley Road East from the town centre to Shawclough Road, a distance of perhaps a mile or so.

I have to say that what I saw at 'ground level' along the way was an absolute disgrace.

The area out of the centre can hardly pretend to be picturesque, with its factories and workshops, but something could be done about the incredible level of litter and rubbish along the way.

The banks of the River Whitewell are strewn with rubbish and the pavements and surrounding areas are not much better.

This stuff might not have been dumped there by the local residents, but anyone with a bit of pride in the area where they live would not just leave it there.

The local council and volunteers can't keep everywhere tidy.

If litter blows into my garden or rubbish is dumped nearby, I pick it up and get rid of it.

Some residents clearly do make an effort, but it looks like the majority don't.

The people of Burnley Road East should join the rest of civilisation and stop living in a pigsty.

Waterfoot could be an attractive place if the people who lived there cared a little bit more about it.

Name and address supplied.

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