Cleaning the Canals of East Lancashire

Cleaning the Leeds-Liverpool canalIt’s not just our streets, homes and offices that need a good clean from time to time, so do our canals. This is the belief of a small team of volunteers led by boat hire operator Lee Sheperd of Hapton Valley Boats. During a six week trial they are cleaning the Leeds-Liverpool canal twice a week, in a bid to make East Lancashire a cleaner place.

The team want to spring clean the waterways of Blackburn, Burnley, Hyndburn and Pendle, a 23 mile stretch to make sure it’s ready for summer activities.

Mr Shepherd talked to the Lancashire Telegraph commenting:

“This is one of the most beautiful stretches of canal in the country and we want more people to come here and enjoy all it has to offer. We are working hard ahead of the summer to ensure the canal is clean and tidy. We are mid-way through the trial at the moment and we are hoping to make it a regular thing in the future.”

The team have also been given a litter boat by British Waterways, who want to create awareness of how important our canals are.

Debbie Lumb, waterway manager for British Waterways North West, also talked to the Lancashire Telegraph stating:

“It’s a sad fact some people do not appreciate what an asset the canal is for this area and do not always treat it with the respect it deserves. Canals are sometimes used as dumping grounds and as British Waterways faces huge economic challenges priority has to be given to maintenance and safety works so the work Lee is doing with his team of volunteers is invaluable.”

“As British Waterways moves towards becoming a charity we will need to work more and more with local groups to help us look after the nation’s canals.”

“Lee’s project is pioneering and we are hopeful it will become a permanent activity along this stretch of canal and beyond.”