West Leeds residents joined employees from McDonald’s and Yorkshire Water in a clean-up at Farnley Reservoir.
More than 70 bags of rubbish were collected making a huge difference to the reservoir and its wildlife.
The council provided bags, gloves and litter pickers while Yorkshire Water brought in a diving team to remove rubbish from the reservoir itself.
The team found bikes, road signs and a few tyres. It was the third time Yorkshire Water had been on site to litter pick.
Emily Brady from Yorkshire Water said:
“It was great to get out into the community and work alongside local residents and McDonald’s to help make a difference.”
Rachel Reeves, MP for Leeds West, said:
“The Day of Action showed how the community is willing to come together to keep Farnley tidy but it is vital that this hard work is not wasted.
“We now need more businesses to step up and show their support to local people by keeping our environment clean in the future.”
Saj Shah, who is the franchisee of the local McDonald’s on Butt Lane, added: “I was pleased to be able to support this event as part of the wider work I and my team do within the community. The Day of Action was a first step and I would encourage other business owners to come on board to make a longer lasting impact working alongside local councillors and residents.”
Farnley and Wortley councillor Matt Gibson (Lab) was thrilled with the turnout.
“I was really pleased with the enthusiastic response from residents to the action day with scores of local people doing their bit for the community and taking part,” he said.
“This makes a really big statement to local businesses in the area about how passionately people feel about keeping the reservoir and Farnley in general tidy.
“I hope local firms can take McDonald’s lead by proactively getting involved with community efforts and working in partnership with each other to help keep Farnley tidy.”
