Students from the University of Warwick were among the volunteers working to clear a stretch of the Grand Union Canal in Leamington Spa at the weekend.

In addition to tyres, fishing line and plastic bags, the team pulled three motorbikes, 28 bicycles and 40 shopping trolleys from the watery depths, as well as several pushchairs, a pram, a complete ‘Pay and Display’ sign on a pole and the street sign for Llewellyn Road. The team were working with the Inland Waterways Association and the Canal and River Trust to remove rubbish that has been dumped in the waterway.

The 16 students are part of Warwick Volunteers, the organisation which gives students the opportunity to help and become involved with the local community by putting them in touch with organisations across the area. They joined two scout troupes and members of the local community to make an eighty-strong workforce at the weekend.

Olivia Hookings, a third year Law and Business student, said: “This was my third canal clean-up with Warwick Volunteers. It has been a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and it’s so rewarding to visually see how much we are helping as we drag motorcycles, bicycles and trolleys out of the canal. Any excuse to get stuck in and dirty!”

Brian Bayston from the Inland Waterways Association said: “Clearing the canal is essential. We need to keep it free of debris so it’s navigable for boats but also safe and clean for wildlife populations and a pleasant environment for us all to enjoy.

“Student volunteers from Warwick have been involved with this project for many years and their presence and effort make a real difference.”

The student volunteers from the University of Warwick are currently involved in over 50 projects throughout Leamington, Kenilworth and Coventry.

To find out more about Warwick Volunteers visit warwick.ac.uk/volunteers

18 October 2016

For more information contact:

Andrea Cullis

Media relations manager

DD: 02476 528050

M: 07825 314874

E: a dot cullis at warwick dot ac dot uk