Clean for the Queen: Volunteers' canal clean-up under way
The 'Clean for the Queen' campaign is well under way in Sandwell as bands of volunteers partnered up with the council to remove rubbish along a canal network.
The scheme is hoping to see Britain tidied up in time for the Queen's 90th birthday on April 21.
The Canal and River Trust is working in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy, Sandwell Council, Serco, Lovell, VINCI Facilities and Wates Living Space along with local people to tidy up sections of canal towpaths and embankments.
The groups, armed with litter pickers, have so far collected more than 100 bags of rubbish, which will now be recycled or sent to landfill for disposal.
Bashir Ahmed, from the Canal & River Trust, said: "We're joining the millions of people this weekend who are helping to keep our public spaces litter free.
"Sadly there are some areas along our canals that have become a bit of hotspot for people dumping litter which is making the waterways look unloved but, with people power, we can make a difference and help keep Britain tidy."
The canal areas which were cleaned on Friday were the canal off Birchfield Way, Yew Tree Estate, from 11.30am to 2pm by Lovell, the canal off Phoenix Street to Cleton Street in Tipton, from 9.30am to 4pm by VINCI Facilities, and the canal off Brasshouse Lane, Smethwick, from 11.30am to 2pm by Wates Living Space.
Councillor Maria Crompton, said: "Sandwell is proud of its canal network which links us to our neighbours in the rest of the Black Country and Birmingham.
Are you organising special events to mark the Queen's birthday. Email us on newsdesk@expressandstar.co.uk
