River Ribble clean up operation comes to Penwortham

Environmentalists and council officials are set to take part in a clean up operation along the banks of the River Ribble this weekend.
The river north of Howick Cross Lane, Penwortham.The river north of Howick Cross Lane, Penwortham.
The river north of Howick Cross Lane, Penwortham.

The Ribble Rivers Trust in conjunction with South Ribble Council will be hosting a litter pick along the South Ribble bank of the river on Saturday from 10am to noon, meeting initially at the bottom of Howick Cross Lane, Penwortham.

Volunteer supervisor officer at the Ribble Rivers Trust, Jonny Walker – who is helping to organise the event along with local resident Richard Hargreaves – said: “The area at Howick Cross is particularly bad following the winter floods and high spring tides.

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“Litter picks have been organised in this area for a number of years now.

“Rubbish from throughout Lancashire can be carried by the Ribble and its feeder watercourses and washed on to the bank, and whilst it is unsightly it does provide an opportunity for collection at low tide.

“If not collected, the waste will most likely end up in the ocean.”

As many volunteers as possible are invited to join the session, with bags and picking equipment provided.

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Gloves will be limited so volunteers should bring these if possible, along with suitable footwear.

A trust spokesman said: “Cleaning up the riverbank will benefit both wildlife and the local community who visit the river.

“Last year saw around 150 bags collected totalling almost two tonnes of mainly plastic waste.

“South Ribble Council will arrange for the collected waste to be removed and recycled where possible.”

For further details on the event email the Ribble Rivers Trust on [email protected].