OSCAR Dean is waging a one-youngster war on Shaw’s litter louts.
And the nine-year-old’s efforts to keep the streets clear of rubbish has already been rewarded.
Now the St Joseph’s RC Primary School pupil hopes more people pick up their litter pickers to join his campaign.
The Correspondent learned of Oscar’s good deeds when mum Becky posted a comment on social media about a story we printed in our July edition.
On a piece about the construction of a new walkway on land off Refuge Street, we wrote: “Already it has attracted plenty of attention including one person who has placed a black bin liner to collect litter.”
That “person” was little Oscar who regular walks in the area with his parents, six-year-old sister Amy and the family’s pet dogs.
“We go down there most days with the dogs and it’s a lovely spot of peace away from the town centre,” said Becky.
“As soon as the walkway was finished you could see more people going down for a walk.
“Obviously, we are very pleased Oscar is keen to pick up litter. But it is something he has decided to do himself on the back of lessons about the environment in school.
“I know his teacher Steve Hill is planning to take some of the children on a litter pick on Bulcote Lane.
“Oscar started picking up litter on the street near home and it has just taken off from there.
“So you can imagine how pleased he was when on one of the picks he found a £10 note. All his friends suddenly became interested too.”
Oscar’s endeavours have also come to the attention of the Royton, Shaw and Crompton District Team.
He was invited to Royton Town Hall for a meeting and presentation of a new litter picking kit complete with new picker, OMBC branded teal coloured litter bags, hi-vis jacket, water bottle and sports development bag.
A District Team spokesperson told the Correspondent: “We have also invited Oscar to lead his own litter pick at a site he can choose himself.
“He is setting a great example to any adults who choose to litter instead of taking their rubbish home or putting it in a bin.”
Oscar even has his own Facebook page, Oscar’s Big Clean Up.
• If you would like to join Oscar then email your details to rscdistrictteam@oldham.gov.uk and they will be in touch once a venue and date has been arranged.