First River Thames Clean Up of 2007

Thames21 need volunteers to help litter blitz Limekiln Dock at their first Thames clean up of 2007 on Sunday 21st January.

The charity and local residents need volunteers to help remove river rubbish blighting Limekiln Dock bringing benefits to the local community and wildlife.

Leigh McAlea at Thames21 said, "The first Thames clean up of the year is always a bit special as it kick starts our programme of events to reduce and prevent litter on the River Thames. The impact of litter is both local and global, with the Tidal Thames carrying tonnes of harmful litter out to sea threatening the wider marine environment. It's mostly the detritus of every day life like plastic bags, which are quite literally, costing the earth."

In 2006, from the River Thames alone, Thames21 staff and volunteers removed 25,000 plastic bags, 600 car tyres, 48 shopping trolleys, bikes, plastic bottles, oil drums, cans, paint pots, sanitary products, prams, Christmas Trees, a car, computers, white goods and two hand guns.

Thames21 provide practical solutions for communities wanting to improve and maintain their local stretches of river or canal. This could be a one-off clean up or a longer term project to reduce litter, improve wildlife habitats and attract local people to use and enjoy their environment.

Event details
Date: Sunday 21st January
Location: Limekiln Dock, (off Three Colts Street) E14
Meeting Time: 9am
Event contact: Matthew Loveday / 07920 230 970

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

Notes to Editors:

1. Thames21 is an environmental charity working with communities to clean and green London's waterways

2. In 2006, Thames21 worked with 4024 volunteers at 92 clean ups removing 300 tonnes of litter.