AMBITIOUS plans to transform grot spots in Middlewich into beauty spots are being launched.

Middlewich Community Pride is being revived by Cllr David Latham to encourage residents to join an action group to tidy up the town.

The sudden death of long serving town council clerk Jonathan Williams in September has inspired the restoration of the group.

"Jonathan was very proud of the town," said Cllr Latham. "This is something I have wanted to do for a while. His sad death triggered me into action.

"It's all about trying to get the community involved in making the town a nicer and better place to live. I am very proud of Middlewich. I was born and bred here.

Northwich Guardian:

Cllr David Latham hopes volunteers will help him to clear weeds from around the town

"Postcode wise, Middlewich is one of the nicest places to live in the country. We've got some lovely canals and walks, we just need a call to arms to get volunteers.

"Middlewich is very busy. We want to make it more appealing for visitors who drive through, enticing more people to come and stay, shop and do business in the town."

Northwich Guardian:

Cllr David Latham and Liz, landlady of The Boars Head at a roundabout that needs attention

A public meeting is being held at 7pm on Wednesday, October 16 at The Boars Head for anyone interested in getting involved.

It is hoped that a list of places which need attention could be drawn up and a plan of action proposed.

Middlewich Town Council and Cheshire East Council have already pledged support.

Ansa, which delivers waste and recycling services, has offered to collect any bin bags collected by volunteers.

Northwich Guardian:

Cllr David Latham believes some derelict and boarded up sites could be made more attractive

"I am spearheading this as an Independent councillor but it is not political," said Cllr Latham. "We are asking young and old alike to come along. It's not just the manual side. You don't have to come out weeding for two hours, there are lots of different things people could help us with.

"Retired people may have useful skills they are willing to share with us. There might be tree surgeons out there or former employees of the waterways. It's all about coming up with different ideas."

"Anyone who is computer minded could help us put grants together."

The group plans to team up with Middlewich Vision to explore grant and funding opportunities.

Businesses and suppliers are also invited to lend their support.

Northwich Guardian:

Cllr David Latham is appealing to local businesses for sponsorship to help towards the big clean-up campaign

"I'm a joiner by trade and run by own building company in Middlewich," said Cllr Latham. "We're appealing to local businesses for sponsorship to help towards the cost of items we may need like paint and tools."

School children and teenagers are also being urged to get involved.

"I'm hoping to get schools involved designing art work to put in the front windows of empty shops, rather than them being boarded up," said Cllr Latham. "If we have the support of teenagers and young people they are less likely to damage stuff they have just tidied up themselves.

Northwich Guardian:

Cllr David Latham hopes to get children and young people involved in the clean up

"Hopefully we can change the mind set of those who do spoil the town by getting as many people as possible involved."

It is hoped the town could once again win prestigious awards for its appearance.

READ > The Travel Lounge back in business after losing ABTA licence in Thomas Cook collapse

"We have entered Britain in Bloom in the past and done quite well," added Cllr Latham. "There are lots of different awards we can go for.

"Let's make the community proud of where we live."