Thamesmead Canal Clean Up

Trust Thamesmead staff took part in their fifth canal clean-up on Wednesday 9 February, as part of their staff volunteering policy which was introduced last year and allows employees to volunteer locally for up to five days a year.

Environmental charity, Thames21, have been commissioned by Gallions Housing Association to engage with residents, community groups, schools, traders and corporate companies to promote the importance of a clean and tidy canal-way, as there is no obligation from the local government to remove rubbish from canals or its footpaths.

Thames21's Waterway Champions Delivery Support Officer, Solomon Small, who is funded by Gallions Housing Association said: “As a charity we think clean canals are important both aesthetically and for wildlife.”

Thames21 work endlessly to make the canals a nicer, safer place and run a clean-up approximately every week somewhere in Thamesmead, with Trust Thamesmead taking part in canal clean-ups in Thamesmead Town Centre on the second Wednesday of every month, 12:00-2:00pm. Meeting at Trust Thamesmead's office in Thamesmead Town centre, everyone is welcome to attend.

Two Thamesmead Youth Voice members, who have undertaken two weeks of work experience at Trust Thamesmead, also took part. 15 year old Jerusha Frimpong said: “I had fun taking part in the canal clean-up and it raised my awareness on how much rubbish and litter there is and how it is destroying our environment and the wildlife.” Whilst 14 year old Blessing Emuchay said: “I enjoyed it too, it was really interesting and a great way to learn the damage people's litter does when it isn't thrown away properly.”