It's an iconic part of our city but one problem is dragging everything down

Salford Quays is "blighted" by rubbish building up in the waterways, a councillor has warned. Plastic and other rubbish is being thrown in the waters which run to the Quays and is getting caught in the corners of the waterways, creating "eyesores" in some sections.

Paul Heilbron, a Lib Dem councillor who lives in the area, has called on Salford City Council to work with local developers and residents to tackle the problem.

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He said: "Salford Quays is one of the most iconic and vibrant areas of our city, not just for residents but also for wildlife and local businesses that thrive on the beauty of these waterways. However, the issue of litter in the Salford Quays waterways is an omnipresent, long-term problem that has blighted the area for far too long."

Mr Heilbron is preparing to speak about the issue at a Salford council meeting next week. He has proposed a motion calling for the council to work with developers to get on top of the problem and "ensure the Quays remains a clean, thriving hub for everyone."

"There's no joined-up approach right now, and that needs to change," he added.

"Different developers own various parts of the Quays, and rubbish is piling up in specific areas, creating an eyesore. There needs to be coordination between the council and private developers for long-term improvements to happen."

At the council meeting next week, Mr Heilbron plans to call for the creation of a waterways stakeholders forum to bring together all parties and find a way forward. A number of local groups in the area take part in regular litter picks, filling bags of waste to reduce the impact.

John-Paul Atley, co-chair of