The Selby Towpath Taskforce team spent Saturday re-painting the towpath gate near Bawtry Road bridge and pruning trees and bushes encroaching on the well-used route into Selby.
The team meets on the third Saturday of each month to get stuck into various tasks to improve the environment around the canal.
Making a difference
Lucy Dockray, volunteer leader for the Canal & River Trust said; “We're very grateful to the Towpath Taskforce team in Selby who, over the past few years, have really made a difference to this part of town.
“A regular flow of cyclists, anglers, joggers, dog walkers and families out for a stroll prove just how popular the canalside is. The taskforce is out in all weathers helping to keep the canal corridor in good order so that all of these people can enjoy it to the full.
“The people of Selby can be rightly proud of the efforts of the taskforce and the important role they play in keeping everything spic and span.”
Meet new friends
As well as carrying out routine maintenance jobs the taskforce is also able to work with the local community. In the past year, this has meant cutting back overhanging trees blocking the view from the back gardens of houses near Burn Bridge. The taskforce has also cleared undergrowth to improve the quality of the footpath in the region of Bawtry Road Bridge, in response to requests from a local Residents' Association.
As well as these more strenuous tasks, the group is also involved in painting, bulb planting, pruning and litter-picking.
"It's a great way to take some exercise, meet new friends and feel that you're doing a little bit to help the local environment" said regular volunteer David Lewis "and let's not forget the top-quality tea and biscuits at half time!"
The group meets up at 10 am, and the tasks normally take around three hours. There's a steady core of around a dozen volunteers, but new members are always welcome.
To find out more about the taskforce visit our volunteering pages or email [email protected]
