Riverside clear-up a great success

Scores of volunteer mudlarks tidy up Thames

Over 50 volunteers gathered to clear up litter and debris from the river Thames in front of Watermans Park on Sat 16th. Organiser Nigel Moore had first suggested the idea on the BrentfordTW8.com forum, and the success of the clear-up makes it certain that other similar events will continue. One volunteer wrote that "we all had a good time getting muddy!"

Items found on the riverbed were placed into a barge bought to the site especially for the clear-up. Remnants of old boats, trolleys, car parts and all sorts of debris were collected.

Commenting on the clear up, Hounslow’s Environmental Strategy Officer, Lucy Griffiths, welcomed the initiative, which is supported by the Council’s Local Agenda 21 programme.

“This stretch of the river is home to a thriving community of local wildlife, including two rare breeds of snail: the two-lipped door snail and the German hairy snail, but it has become very polluted.

“The problem is that when the river becomes clogged by the accumulation of litter and other debris, it poses a serious health hazard to the local wildlife, as well as making the area look untidy.

"It’s very encouraging to see local community groups and businesses working together to improve the area, and hope this weekend’s initiative will be as successful as previous river clean-ups."

17 Oct 2004

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