BAGS of rubbish have been removed from the River Wear in Durham City centre – and boats could be used to clear out even more.

Durham County Council's clean and green team are leading a clean-up operation around the river. With support from Durham Cathedral, the Environment Agency and City of Durham Parish Council paths are being improved and debris cleared from the weirs.

Durham County Councillor Mark Wilkes, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, and fellow Lib Dem Cllr Richard Ormerod, have been out with extra long nets and litter pickers to take rubbish from the water.

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Rubbish being cleared from the River Wear in Durham City centre

Rubbish being cleared from the River Wear in Durham City centre

Cllr Wilkes said: "We are using all possible options to get our river cleaned up and will be getting more of these devices to help too.

"We've removed some material from our weirs, cut back and improved drainage on river paths and this week started getting rubbish out of the river."

The councillors, working with Durham County Council's clean and green team, have filled bags of rubbish from the river edge.

Cllr Wilkes said: "This is going to become a regular occurrence but we really need everyone visiting our riverbanks to take extra care. Much of the rubbish going in the river is plastic and some things are really dangerous to wildlife."

Rubbish being cleared from the River Wear in Durham City centre

Rubbish being cleared from the River Wear in Durham City centre

Rubbish being cleared from the River Wear in Durham City centre

Rubbish being cleared from the River Wear in Durham City centre

On one short stretch of the river dozens of face masks were removed by the councillors.

These can get tangled in birds and other wildlife, and can be especially dangerous if they make it out to sea.

Cllr Richard Ormerod

Cllr Richard Ormerod

Cllr Ormerod said: "For many years not enough has been done to keep our river clean. Protecting wildlife is essential, as is having a spotless city. We are now working with both the Parish Council and County Council to clean up the area.

"Along-side this work our colleagues on the Parish Council are now working closely with volunteers. Many of these volunteers are going to be trialling taking boats out to remove litter too and we are delighted that so many people are keen to get involved in this truly joint effort."

Rubbish being cleared from the River Wear in Durham City centre

Rubbish being cleared from the River Wear in Durham City centre

 

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