A new community initiative helping to tackle litter and bring residents together has officially launched in Hough Green, thanks to support from Halton Housing's Helping Hands Fund and a special award sponsored by Travis Perkins.

The Green Angels team successfully secured £1,000 through the fund to establish the new Hough Green Litter Network, providing equipment, volunteer resources and support for a community launch event at Upton Community Centre. The funding was awarded as a special Helping Hands grant sponsored by Travis Perkins, recognising the project's potential to make a lasting difference to the local area.

Led by Green Angels and delivered in partnership with a range of environmental organisations, the project aims to encourage residents to take pride in their neighbourhood while creating opportunities for community involvement and improved wellbeing. The network forms part of the wider Halton Litter Network and supports a community-led "Keep Hough Green Tidy" campaign.

The official launch took place at Upton Community Centre on 28 July and brought together residents, volunteers and partner organisations from across Halton and beyond. A total of 17 volunteers attended the event, with many signing up to become ongoing litter pickers within the network.

The day got off to an impressive start, with volunteers collecting 52 bags of litter from the local area. The bags were gathered beside a new Binimals litter bin, designed by members of the Halton Youth Cabinet.

As part of the launch event, Dawn Halliwell was introduced as the new Hough Green Litter Network Team Leader and presented with a Timber Ridge cart and a full litter-picking pack to support future volunteer activity. Residents can now access free litter-picking equipment and join the network as solo, duo or family pickers, allowing them to get involved in keeping Hough Green tidy at a time that suits them.

Representing Halton Housing at the event were Georgina and Keiron, who joined volunteers and partners throughout the day to celebrate the launch and support local residents.

The funding has enabled the purchase of litter-picking equipment, hi-vis vests, bin bag hoops, promotional materials and event costs, helping to create a strong foundation for the network's future growth.

Georgina Crank, Social Impact and Engagement Officer at Halton Housing, said:

"It's fantastic to see the Hough Green Litter Network get off to such a successful start. The enthusiasm from volunteers on the day was incredible, and the impact they made immediately was clear to see.

Through our Helping Hands Fund, we're proud to support projects that bring people together and create positive change in our communities. We'd also like to thank Travis Perkins for sponsoring this special award and helping make the launch of the network possible."

The Hough Green Litter Network plans to hold regular litter-picking activities and community clean-up events, helping residents work together to improve local spaces and create a cleaner, greener neighbourhood for everyone.

Residents interested in joining the initiative can find out more through the Hough Green Litter Network Facebook page or by contacting the Green Angels team.