Calling all river users! Walkers, anglers, canoeists, nature lovers, joggers. A mass volunteer clean-up of the Five Weirs Walk is being planned for the last weekend in July to shift tons of debris left behind by the June floods.

The heavy rainfall left much of the popular 7.5km route under water. Many sections still remain blocked by tree trunks, and compacted rubbish whilst there is up to a metre of silt under several of the bridges.

A consortium of agencies and charities are working together to organise the event including Sheffield City Council, the Five Weirs Trust, the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, the Council’s Park Rangers, Groundwork Sheffield and the Environment Agency.

Councillor Tim Rippon, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Culture and Planning at Sheffield City Council said: “We are calling on all users and supporters of the walk to join myself and others to turn out and help for two days of clean-ups on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th July, 2007. The efforts will be concentrated around Effingham Road, Salmon Pastures Royds Mill and Sandersons Weir where the worst blockages have occurred. The aftermath of the floods has brought so many people across the city together and we call on anyone who can spare a couple of hours of their time to help restore the walk to it’s former glory.”

Volunteers are asked to assemble from 12 noon onwards on Saturday 28th or Sunday 29th July at Washford Bridge on Attercliffe Road where they will be supplied with protective gear and tools.

Lisa Judson, Chair of the Five Weirs Trust said: “There is no need for special skills or strength, we will find suitable jobs for everyone and there will be experienced staff around to provide safety advice and leadership. We are also appealing for the loan of skips to take away the tons of rubbish and of a friendly JCB and driver to help with shifting heavier materials.”

Scott Porter from Sheffield City Council’s Park Rangers Service commented: “Many people like myself want to do something to help the city recover after the floods and haven’t yet found an opportunity. This is one everyone can get involved with.”

Volunteers wanting to register can call Sheffield City Council Parks and Countryside Reception on 0114 2 500 500.

About the author

Anglers' Net

Pin It on Pinterest