Plaque unveiled in memory of ‘Darwen’s Litter Picking Dog’

A plaque was unveiled in memory of ‘Darwen’s Litter Picking Dog’ – Rosco who died this year and was the main reason behind Keep Darwen Tidy.

The plaque was placed on a ‘special’ re-pained bench in Ashton Park, carried out by the environment team at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to show how important the black Labrador was to the start-up of the group.

Rosco’s tribute was unveiled with Rosco’s owner Janet Pearce and her mum Toni Pearce alongside Councillor Jim Smith and his dog Bart, Councillor Katrina Fielding and Keep Darwen Tidy Volunteer, Angela Margerison.

Janet was moved to tears when she first saw the bench – as it was the place where her and her dog used to rest together when walking through the park.

She started Keep Darwen Tidy in 2018 when she finished work due to her cancer diagnosis and when she out walking with Rosco he cut his paw on a piece of glass.

Janet then started picking up litter and with the support from local volunteers, the group grew from there.

The plaque was a surprise gesture from members of Keep Darwen Tidy and BwD Council.

Janet said:

It was a real surprise for me and I didn’t know anything about it, Angela Margerison started the process of Ashton Park getting the plaque on mine and Rosco’s favourite bench, and it’s amazing. I just feel like it’s really special. It’s such a lovely memory and thank you very much to everybody involved, it really did touch me.

Cllr Jim Smith, Executive Member for Environment, said:

You have to remember that our parks are for everybody, the young and the old and most importantly our dogs. Just remember to clean up and keep everybody safe.

Darwen East Ward Cllr Katrina Fielding, said:

Rosco was a huge part of Keep Darwen Tidy and the reason that Janet started it. When Angela got in touch with me with the idea of a bench in memory of Rosco I thought it was an excellent idea. Janet has put lots of time and effort into our wonderful town and now that the plaque is on their favourite bench it is there for everyone to come and enjoy.

Visit Keep Darwen Tidy on Facebook for more information.