MP volunteers to join in with weekend community clean-up

Rotherham Council's green spaces team, local councillors and the Winterhill Environmental Group, will join in the effort which aims to make the community's Engine Ponds a better place to be.

Their group will clear the pond, remove any litter and open up overgrown areas to help to create what officers said could be "the perfect home for wildlife".

Rotherham Council's green spaces officer, Nicola Jones, said: "Everyone is welcome and this is a great way to meet new people in your community. All equipment is provided but please come prepared with warm clothes and sturdy boots.

"Those taking part are also advised to bring a flask and packed lunch."

Mr MacShane said: "I am delighted to be involved in such a valuable project. It's great to see people pull together, this is true community spirit. I would like to encourage people to come down and get involved."

The event takes place on Saturday October 16, between 10am and 2pm. Anyone who wants to help should meet at the Engine Ponds, Little Common Lane, Kimberworth.

Rotherham Council is also holding consultation sessions next week in Laughton Common and Thurcroft to ask residents for their ideas and views on improvements in the local area.

The consultation will be on the design of a new play area and public artworks. The new play area will replace the existing equipment and will be primarily designed for children under the age of 12.

The design is currently at the initial stage and can be altered following comments received.

After approval by the local community, it is hoped that all the works will completed before the end of next March, giving Laughton Common a new look for the spring.

The display and design workshops will be at Monksbridge Community Hall on October 11 between 3.15pm and 5.15pm, Matrix in Dinnington on October 15 between 1.30pm and 3.30pm and Thurcroft's Gordon Bennett Memorial Hall on October 15 between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.