Volunteers Needed for Thamesmead Canal Clean

Leading waterways charity Thames21 needs volunteers to help clear litter from a section of the canal in Thamesmead

The clean up is part of a rolling programme of work with the local community to reduce levels of litter on Thamesmead's network of waterways and river foreshores.

Thames21's Riverkeeper Coordinator Ashe Hurst said 'Thames21 have teamed up with local housing association Gallions, to turn the tide on litter through regular clean ups with local people.

'Thamesmead's waterways provide important wildlife habitats and are green spaces for local people to enjoy and use. Unfortunately, high levels of litter drive people away as they feel neglected and even threatening.

The charity will be involving all sections of the community in Thamesmead to set up Adopt-a-River groups and to recruit a new group of Riverkeeper Volunteers supported by Thames21. Their duties will include litter picks, planting, removing graffiti, keeping an eye out for grot-spots and working with Thames21 to prevent small problems from escalating out of control.

Tom Broad added, "Gallions Housing Association is delighted to be working in partnership with Thames21 across Thamesmead's waterways to turn the tide against litter. The work to clean and green Thamesmead's waterways will benefit local people, and the environment as well as helping to protect important wildlife habitats."

Event details
Date: Saturday 26 August, 11am - 3pm
Meeting Location: Meeting on the green at Hutchins Road outside Woolwich Polytechnic School, SE28 Thamesmead
Event contact: Ashe Hurst 07968 805 751
A parent or guardian must accompany children under 16. All Health and Safety equipment provided by Thames21.

Ends
For media enquiries/interviews contact Leigh on 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.

Gallions Housing Association works to improve services for its customers and ensure its activities and interests are central to the needs of the community it works in. GHA have begun to extend the range and scope of services and products it offers to help create and maintain a sustainable community in Thamesmead. For more information visit www.gallionsha.co.uk/