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Volunteers help flood recovery in Leeds

Volunteers from both sides of the Pennines have joined forces to help clear part of Leeds’ flood-hit waterways

Volunteers on the Aire & Calder Navigation

Staff from Sanderson Weatherall, property agents in Manchester, and Ward Hadaway solicitors in Leeds teamed up on Friday 5 February to help us clean up a section of the Aire & Calder Navigation.

The Boxing Day floods were some of the worst ever seen on the region's historic waterways and caused damage to bridges, embankments and canal walls. The floodwaters also left behind an array of rubbish and other debris as well as a coating of mud and silt.

The volunteers helped to clear the rubbish that had been left along the Aire & Calder Navigation near Fearns Wharf. They also replanted a mature holly tree that was washed away and reinstated a riverside garden that was destroyed by the force of the floodwaters.

Attractive and enjoyable

Becca Dent, volunteer development coordinator for the Canal & River Trust said: “The Boxing Day floods were some of the worst we've ever seen on our waterways and they've left a trail of damage and disruption in their wake.

“Here in Leeds you can still see rubbish and other debris dumped on the towpath and clinging to fences and it means that a visit to the riverside isn't as enjoyable as it should be. The volunteers did a great job in helping to get things back to looking their best and ensuring that local people have an attractive and enjoyable place to escape to.

“Everyone knows that there's a bit of rivalry between Leeds and Manchester and it's really nice to see people wanting to help out no matter where they come from.”

Last Edited: 09 February 2016

photo of a location on the canals
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