Two Tamworth rivers benefit from town's first Big Tidy Up

TWO Tamworth rivers which meet in the town centre are set to undergo a clean-up this weekend.

Fallen trees and debris are being moved from the River Tame and River Anker at Ladybridge in preparation for a litter-pick and clearance project.

The event, which has been organised by the Environment Agency and the borough council, has been registered with Keep Britain Tidy as the first Big Tidy Up event for Tamworth.

"Tamworth Borough Council is proud to be taking part in this project and to have such support from local groups and agencies," explained deputy mayor, Councillor Lee Bates.

"The River Tame runs through the heart of our town and it is important that we maintain the area, not only to improve the habitat for local wildlife, but also so that local people can enjoy our beautiful surroundings.

"The borough council is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and we want the areas surrounding the river to be a place everyone can have the opportunity to enjoy."

The litter-pick will take place on Saturday, February 6, beginning at 10am at Lady Bridge.

Volunteers can sign up at Holloway Car Park.

Around 60 to 80 people will be working in and around the River Tame and River Anker in the town centre, along various sections, to remove fly-tipping and debris.

Groups accompanying members of the public will include Sea Cadets, the Angling Trust, local angling club members, the Environment Agency, Tamworth Borough Council, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Staffordshire County Council, County Highways, the Probation Payback Team and the Community Safety Partnership.

Environment Agency staff will also be on hand at Ankerside Shopping Centre to talk to the public about the event and the work they do in protecting the environment.

Spokesman Jane Woodhall said: "We are really excited about getting the work started on this joint project with our partners to enhance the area around Tamworth's river corridor, where the public can enjoy their local countryside."

The aim of the Big Tidy Up campaign is to encourage communities nationally to collect a total of 500,000 bags of litter.

The national figure is recorded at www.thebigtidyup.org.uk