Salford student organises event to fight "aggravating" litter problem

A student from the University of Salford is organising a littler clean-up in Pendleton this April following a continuing issue with litter.

Nyx Robertson, 22, originally from Manchester, has been studying in the Salford for the last two years – and as a student realised an issue of litter in the local area.

And with litter and rubbish along the pathways, Nyx has worked with the assistance of the staff at the accommodation to organise a litter pick event.

The event will take place on from 11am on Tuesday 15 April – outside the student accommodation John Lester and Eddie Colman Courts on Meyrick Road in Salford.

The litter pick will open for everyone and not just students, attempting to clean and deter others from throwing litter into the surrounding environment.

Nyx said: “If we clear it all up and it looks nicer, people will feel less inclined to throw their rubbish around, especially now that it’s nicer weather.”

Nyx continued: “This isn’t necessarily our space- it’s a temporary space for us and we should do something to keep it nicer for the locals.”

The litter pick will cover the path from the shopping centre behind the police station, down to the bus stops between Belvedere Road and Broad Street, where a large amount of litter has collected on the grass and paths.

“I see women walking their dogs on that grass verge where there is so much student litter and stuff like that. I know it is not just students, but a lot of it does come from them.

“I feel like we should be more respectful to the locals.”

Pendleton has been an area where students and residents co-exist since the University of Salford was created, but Nyx argues that some students’ lack of regard for the area they live in is causing animosity between them and the locals.

They said: “It is making locals disgruntled, and it is making the rest of the students look bad. We should do something to improve it and keep it looking nice.”

And as the whole city has been called to work together to cut down on the amount of litter, this event aims to do just that whilst also bringing the Salford community together.

“We live here. We might as well be a part of the community and clean it up.

“And you know, we can’t complain about Salford in any way, shape or form if we’re not contributing to make it better.” Nyx said.

The litter pick will include equipment and protective gear, provided by Campus Living Villages, and Nyx has encouraged anyone considering attending to ensure they are properly prepared with water and clothes they do not mind getting dirty.

The event has been met with a lot of attention from students, with many people and groups keen to get involved.

Nyx said: “What I am hoping is if we clear it all up and it looks nicer, people will feel less inclined to throw their rubbish around, especially now that it is nicer weather.

“I’ve had lots of interest from people at the accommodation and otherwise- if we can get people down and it makes a difference, I would absolutely want to organise doing this again.”

Nyx then spoke about what more can be done to stop people in Salford from littering in the area: