More than five tonnes of waste cleared as partners and residents unite

People came together to make immediate changes and reaffirm their commitment to long-term improvements in a major day of action at Baguley Crescent.

Council colleagues, fire and rescue teams, police and residents collected more than five tonnes of waste, and had it removed from the Prestwich neighbourhood.

Residents, Bury Council, GMP, GMFRS, ward councillors and community partners joined forces on Friday 24 July to tackle environmental issues and meet local people – as well as continue work already under way to address long-standing concerns.

The operation delivered immediate results, with 2.9 tonnes of fly-tipped waste cleared from the area and a further 2.2 tonnes removed from bins over the course of the clean-up.

The day was about more than quick visible changes. Councillor Jodie Hook, Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Operations, said: “We understand why residents are frustrated and share their determination to see lasting improvements in Baguley Crescent.

“The day of action delivered an immediate improvement, with more than five tonnes of waste removed, but it was also about listening to residents and showing our commitment to the area.

“A significant amount of work has already taken place. We’ve worked with partners on enforcement activity, pursued absentee landlords and property owners, tackled problem sites and removed garages linked to anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.

“There are no quick fixes and some of the most complex issues involve privately owned land and buildings. We will continue working with residents and partners to drive further improvements and build on the progress already made.”

It was an opportunity to build on a programme of work that has already seen significant intervention in the area.

Baguley Crescent has faced complex challenges for years relating to environmental conditions, anti-social behaviour, criminal activity and the condition of some buildings. Many of the most significant issues involve privately owned land and properties, which sit outside the Council's direct ownership and control and can limit the powers available to public agencies.

Despite these challenges, Bury Council and its partners have already undertaken substantial work to improve conditions.

This has included agencies, such as the Council, fire and rescue service, and police, working together on enforcement, action against absentee landlords and property owners, investigations into environmental and community safety concerns, and the demolition of former garages which had become a focal point for anti-social behaviour and criminality.

The turnout on 24 July reflected the pride local people have in their community and a shared commitment to improving the area.

The day of action also reflects Bury's wider approach to improving places by working alongside communities, building on local strengths and bringing together organisations with a shared commitment to change. Lasting progress depends on partnership, with public agencies, landlords, property owners, residents and community organisations all playing a role.

Partners will continue to pursue enforcement action, work with property owners and identify further opportunities to improve the area.

ENDS

Notes to editors

• The Baguley Crescent Day of Action took place on Friday 24 July 2026.

• Partners involved included Bury Council, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, ward councillors, residents, community volunteers and other partner organisations.

• The operation resulted in the removal of 2.9 tonnes of fly-tipped waste and a further 2.2 tonnes of waste from bins.

• Previous action in the area has included co-ordinated multi-agency enforcement activity, work to identify and pursue absentee landlords and property owners, and demolition of former garages linked to anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.

• Partners will continue to work together to identify further opportunities to improve the area and support residents