GREEN Party members rolled up their sleeves up to help care for the Grand Union Canal in Leamington.
Volunteers from the group recently adopted a stretch of the canal between Europa Way Bridge and Gullimans Way Bridge and will be working with the Canal & River Trust, the charity that cares for 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales.
As part of the adoption the volunteers will be helping with tasks such as clearing litter, removing graffiti, keeping on top of canalside vegetation and ensuring the canal is a tidy, welcoming place for all..
Waterway adoptions give people the chance to make a real difference to their communities by helping to improve their canals and rivers.
At a hands-on level they get involved in activities specific to their waterway, from recording and improving wildlife habitats or maintaining a local towpath, to helping run educational or community events. Most groups meet regularly each month to ensure their stretch continues to thrive.
Sue Blocksidge, volunteer coordinator for the Canal & River Trust, said: “We’re really pleased the Warwick District Green Party have agreed to help look after a stretch of their local canal. The canal is such an important part of local life and the volunteers will play a vital role in helping to ensure that that canal is looking its best both for people living nearby and those visiting the town.
“Adoptions are a great way for people to get involved and make a real difference to the community and we hope that local residents will enjoy the benefits of the volunteers’ hard work.”
Coun Jonathan Chilvers said “We’re delighted that Coun Janet Alty has worked with the Canal & River Trust to bring this project into being. We look forward to involving those many members of our local community who really care about our canal and will be willing to work to improve it on a regular basis.”
Anyone wanting to get involved with the adoption should call Coun Alty on 07443 520488.
Visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk for more information on the work of the Canal & River Trust.
