Community out in force to keep Wolverhampton canals clean
Volunteers will now regularly be out keeping Wolverhampton's canals clean after a major effort in preparation for a recent festival.
The Essington and Wyrley canal, that runs between Wolverhampton city centre and Wednesfield, is a popular thoroughfare that is used by ramblers and dog walkers.
A group of councillors and local volunteers recently got together to undertake a huge clean-up campaign of the canal in readiness for the annual Wednesfield Canal Festival.
Councillor Phil Bateman, who was one of the organisers of the festival, said: “Following our very successful litter pick last summer at this location, we will once again be out on the towpaths to do it all over again.
“Keeping our environment rubbish-free needs some hard work and dedication. It just won’t get done unless we all do something for the good of the wildlife and the flora.
“The Canal and River Trust are providing us with a boat once again to support the next clean-up event – which will take place on Sunday, October 6 , and they will also provide gloves and bags and other equipment.
“The only thing is we will need to know roughly how many people intend to come along on the day. If anyone wants is to bring their own gloves and litter-picking equipment that is also fine. But we still need an idea on numbers attending.”
Councillor Bateman said that work carried out now would help pave the way for the 2020 Wednesfield Canal Festival.
“We are of course making preparations to ensure that the Wyrley and Essington Canal is fit for purpose all the year around,” he said.
“If you would like to volunteer for the litter pick at the canal, please let me know. Give me a rough indication of attendance by responding via email on email@philbateman.com or leaving a message on Facebook.”
The litter pick will start at 9am and finish at 1pm. Members are invited to gather outside of the Nickelodeon pub at 9am.
