Volunteers needed at Thamesmead clean up

Environmental charity Thames21 needs volunteers to help clear litter from a section of the canal at the Moorings in Thamesmead on Saturday 24 February.

Thames21's Local Rivers Coordinator Geoff Williams said, 'Thamesmead's waterways are rich in wildlife and are green spaces for everyone to enjoy and use. Unfortunately, river rubbish drives people away. It's ugly to look at, and makes areas feel neglected and unsafe.'

With funding from Gallions Housing Association, Thames21 began work in Thamesmead in 2006 running small-scale community clean ups. Thames21 is now seeking to set up a group of Riverkeeper Volunteers to take part in 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 24 February
Meeting time: 10:30am - event runs from 11am - 3pm
Meeting Location: Harrow Canal, The Moorings. Corner of Titmuss Avenue and Bentham Road - Click here for streetmap location
Event contact: Geoff Williams 07855 795 941
A parent or guardian must accompany children under 16. All Health and Safety equipment provided by Thames21.

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. www.thames21.org.uk
• 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/