Local people to create 'breathing place' in Hackney

People living in Hackney have the chance to transform their local stretch of canal this week.

With funding from the Big Lottery Fund and as part of the BBC Breathing Places campaign, volunteers will be working with waterways charity Thames21 to clean-up the Regent's Canal around Broadway Market Bridge.

People living or working in the Haggerston and London Fields area can lend a hand removing graffiti, clearing leaves and rubbish or planting along the towpath. Other events will include free angling from professional coaches, free face painting, a wildlife survey and bulb planting.

Thames21's Canal Programmes Manager Theo Thomas said, 'This is a great section of canal but surveys have shown that people feel the graffiti makes it a bit threatening. It is also a little messy in places which can make it feel neglected. We want local people to show they care about their canal by helping us to look after it. With it also being half term week it is a perfect opportunity for families to take advantage of the free events and improve where they live.'

As well as transforming the Regent's Canal into a 'breathing place' where more people want to spend time, Thames21 has developed a new way of measuring the success of projects to use across the London's waterway network and Thames21's programme of work.

Timetable of events
Wednesday 24th October: Graffiti Removal Day and clean-up. 11am - 3pm. Under Broadway Market Bridge E8. Wear old clothes. Gloves and equipment provided by Thames21.

Thursday 25th October: Free Fishing Event. 10am - 3pm. Regent's Row E8

Saturday 27th October: Wildlife Survey and bulb planting. 11am - 3pm. Wear old clothes. From Broadway Market Bridge E8 to Actons Lock. Also free face painter.

Event Contact: Canal Programmes Manager Theo Thomas 07968 012 828

Ends
Media enquiries Leigh McAlea at Thames21 020 7213 0166 / 07875 250 284

Notes to Editors:

1. Thames21 is an environmental charity working to bring London's waterways to life.

2. Breathing Places is a three-year campaign to inspire people to create and care for green spaces where they live - from neighbourhood parks, school grounds and workplaces to local nature reserves. Visit www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces for more information

3. The Big Lottery Fund (BIG) operates the Breathing Places grants programme. The Big Lottery Fund has committed £5 million to a dedicated Breathing Places grants programme. ALL money will go to community groups and partner organisations to help them create 'breathing places'.

For media enquiries contact Leigh McAlea on 020 7213 0166 / 07875 250 284