Volunteers Needed For Canal Spring Clean

Thames21 is calling for volunteers to help clean up the Slough Arm of the Grand Union Canal on Saturday 31 March.

MP for Slough Fiona MacTaggart and local group the Friends of Slough Canal are joining forces with Thames21 to clean and green this picturesque but littered waterway.

Canal Programmes Manager Theo Thomas said, 'Thames21 work regularly with the Friends of Slough Canal group to mobilise the local community to help reduce litter, remove graffiti and cut back vegetation.

The Slough Arm, built in 1883, was one of the last stretches of canal completed in Britain and was originally a working canal used to transport bricks from the Langley brickfields. Today, the canal is a backdrop to more leisurely pursuits like boating and walking.

Theo Thomas added, 'Rubbish and graffiti prevent people from discovering the array of wildlife and great walks on the Slough Canal. It is thanks to the efforts of the Friends of Slough and local Canalkeeper Volunteers that the area is starting to improve.'

Last month, the charity spent a week on the canal with its litter busting boat the Taranchewer (AKA Chewie) clearing litter from the water and targeting fly tipped areas.

Everyone is welcome. Thames21 provide all equipment. Please wear old warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Event details
Date: Saturday 31 March
Event Timings: 9:30 - 12:30
Location: 9:30am at Rochfords Gardens Community Hall, Rochfords Gardens (off Uxbridge Road) Click here for map.
Event contact: Theo Thomas 07968 012 828

Ends
Media enquiries - Leigh McAlea at Thames21 020 7213 0166 / 07875 250 284
Notes to Editors:
Thames21 is an environmental charity working with communities to improve and maintain London's rivers and canals. Its mission is to create clean, safe and sustainable waterside environments for all. Go to www.thames21.org.uk

Friends of Slough Canal is a group of local people enthusiastic about the leisure use of the Slough Arm of the Grand Union Canal. Anyone wishing to become a Friend of Slough Canal should contact:

The Secretary, Mr Chris Lloyd
Friends of Slough Canal, PO Box 2456, Slough SL2 5WS
rochfordresidents@hotmail.com