Thames21 win award for environmental work on River Cray

Thames21 won second place at the Bexley Environmental Challenge awards for its ongoing work to clean and green the River Cray.

A 250 strong audience packed into the Council Chamber to see Cllr Brian Beckwith, Bexley's Mayor, present the awards. This is the third year running that Thames21 have won an award.

Thames21's Riverkeeper Ashe Hurst said, "It's fantastic to win an award and to have our work recognised by Bexley Council. It wouldn't be possible without the Riverkeeper Volunteers and local volunteers who gave up their time in 2006 to help Thames21 improve and maintain the River Cray."

Thames21 carried out more than 20 clean up and river discovery events along the Cray in 2006 attracting 210 volunteers from the Bexley community. The Riverkeeper Volunteer scheme continues to work regularly along the River Cray reducing litter and carrying out day-to-day improvements like graffiti removal and painting.

The efforts of Thames21's volunteers has seen an 85% increase in cleanliness on the River Cray and the regular presence of Thames21 Riverkeeper Volunteers on the Cray has helped to reduce the instances of enviro-crime like vandalism, fly tipping and dumping of oils and chemicals.

Some of the items removed from the River Cray in 2006 include 232 bin bags of litter, 580 car tyres, 3 wheel barrows, 3 Bikes, 4 Traffic Cones, 1 Coffee Machine, 4 Scaffold Poles, 1 Trailer, 1 Typewriter, 2 Prams, 6 Fallen Trees, 1 Bike Wheel and
3 For Sale signs.

If you are interested in volunteering for Thames21 in Bexley please contact Ashe Hurst on 07968 805 751.

Ends
Media enquiries - Leigh McAlea at Thames21 020 7213 0166 / 07875 250 284
Notes to Editors:

1. The Bexley Environmental Challenge awards took place on 22 November 2006.
2. Winners included: Bexley Business Environmental Challenge: Queen Mary's Hospital (Crystal bowl). Community Environmental Award: Orbit Green Gym (£100 and Turfsoil Trophy). Special Achievement Award: Oval Traders Association (£100 and Pilkington Plaque). Category winners: Recycling: Upland Primary School (Ketley Cup, £150, Jeannie Award). Nature Conservation: Colyers Primary School (Recycled Glass Trophy, £150, Jeannie Award). General Environmental Activities: Thames 21 (BICC silver salver, £150, Jeannie Award). Air & Water: N W Kent Countryside Partnership (Glass globe, hand & base, £150, Jeannie Award). Business: Queen Mary's Hospital (Crystal bowl, Jeannie Award).
3. The 2007 Bexley Environmental Challenge will be launched in the new year with a closing date for entries of 30 April 2007.