Litter pick collects 50 bags of rubbish from river
A litter picking group gathers every month to remove rubbish from the River Wear in Durham.
A volunteer group dedicated to cleaning up the River Wear collected over 50 bags of rubbish during their most recent clean-up effort. This community, Durham City Riverscape Community, was formed just before the COVID-19 pandemic began to hold monthly river clean-ups. Since the group's inception, they have gathered vast amounts of waste from the river, including a sizable fridge freezer earlier this year.
Lead volunteer Graham Hollingwood stated that the group is nearing the impressive milestone of 1,000 bags collected, underscoring the immense effort and commitment required to safeguard the riverbanks. Hollingwood highlighted how daunting the task of removing the full-sized fridge freezer was, yet the team managed to overcome it.
The group's success would not be possible without the continuous support from the City of Durham Parish Council. This support includes funding, practical assistance, and ongoing encouragement, providing the necessary resources and confidence to combat significant fly-tipping hazards and have a tangible, lasting impact on the local environment.
Adam Shanley, the council's clerk and co-founder of the litter picking group, expressed awe at the volunteers' dedication, calling it extraordinary. He emphasized the council's privilege in supporting such a proactive and passionate team, vowing to continue backing them as they tirelessly protect the River Wear for future generations.
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