A tonne of discarded debris has been removed from the 200-year-old Leeds & Liverpool Canal by Douglas Valley Lions Club volunteers and Canal & River Trust staff
The major litter clearance at Appley Bridge Lock No. 91 unearthed traffic cones, car tyres and even a kitchen worktop, along with a range of fly-tipped material and litter threatening the appearance of this popular and attractive canal.
The Lions adopted a stretch of waterway between Parbold Moorings and Appley Bridge in 2012 in response to the our ‘adopt a canal' programme.
Making a difference
Since the start of the canal adoption, monthly towpath taskforce clean-up events have taken place including litter picking along the towpath, painting locks, clearing graffiti and refurbishing community noticeboards.
The Lions are now part of a growing network of more than 85 other groups who are helping protect the UK's 2,000 mile inland waterway system.
Whilst we still own the canal and carry out essential multi-million pound year-round maintenance, adoption groups are helping bring important added benefits to the waterways by carrying out tasks such as towpath improvements, cutting back vegetation, litter and graffiti removal and improving the overall appearance of the canal.
Alice Kay, our volunteer leader said: “We're very thankful for the support of the Lions tackle such a problematic issue such as litter. Their efforts will only make the waterways more enjoyable for thousands of visitors who use them each day. Our waterways have an incredible history so it's important that they're supported into the future and we're making every effort to work closer with local people and bring the canals closer to the heart of the community.”
Douglas Valley Lions Club spokesperson, Alan Trevarton said: “We take a lot of pride in our local canal and the main aim for us has been to try and keep the banks litter free and create a welcoming space for local people to enjoy. Littering and fly-tipping is mindless and disgraceful and people should really take more care when discarding their rubbish. It can build up very quickly so we just ask that people show a bit more respect and help us and the Canal & River Trust protect this beautiful environment.”
Want to get involved?
Members of the public interested in joining the monthly litter picks between Parbold Bridge 37 and Finch Mill Swing Bridge 43 can contact [email protected] or contact the Lions direct on 08458 335739.
Full details about Waterway Adoptions can be found at canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer
At a hands-on level we will work with the group to understand what work needs to be done, whether it's to record and improve wildlife habitats, maintain towpaths, help fundraise, run educational events or help combat anti-social behaviour.
