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. 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.
