CANAL bosses have pledged support to a Solihull father and daughter after their clean-up operation by boat – and have hit out at litterers.
Lee Skinner and his daughter Hannah Skinner, 13, appealed to Lyndon residents to stop leaving rubbish at one of their favourite walking spots – and for help from the Canal and River Trust.
As we reported this week, a stretch of the Grand Union Canal near the Lincoln Road North bridge was so ‘filthy’ it inspired them both to take to the water in their dinghy to pick out rubbish.
Members of the Lyndon Residents Association thanked the pair for their work, and many offered their services for clean-ups.
Now the Canal and River Trust – a national charity which owns most of the UK’s waterways network – has pledged to support them and the group in the future, after being contacted by the Solihull Observer.
A spokesperson said: “It’s great to hear people are helping us look after their local stretch of canal.
“Our volunteer team would be more than happy to get in touch with the group to discuss with them how we can work together and come up with any ideas to improve the area.
“We provide all volunteers with the right equipment such as litter pickers, bin bags and gloves as well as safety training to ensure everyone has an enjoyable time whilst helping to tidy up our waterways.
“It’s really disappointing when we see litter and plastic dumped along our beautiful canals and towpaths as being by water is proven to be good for your physical and mental health.
“If everyone that visited picked up one piece of litter whilst they were out on the towpath, within a year there wouldn’t be any litter on our waterways which is something we, as a charity, are striving for.”
Lee and Hannah were out on a stroll on the towpath and were shocked after seeing the water blighted with thick algae, plastic bottles and litter.
Armed with nets, the duo swept up as much of the muck and litter as they could in their dinghy and on the path.
And after two hours of aquatic litter picking, they had two bags full of plastic bottles, drinks cans and sweet wrappers.
Mr Skinner, of Rock Road, said: “We want to create awareness. Because the core issue is people continuing to litter.
“We want this to be long-term project.”
The pair were distressed to see ducks trying to eat plastic bags and other wildlife affected by the rubbish.
Hannah said: “Cleaning the canal is so important to me because I walk along the canal a lot and it is a beautiful place.”
