24 August 2007
Greater Morpeth Develoment Trust
PRESS RELEASE
Waste Warriors
The Greater Morpeth Development Trust (GMDT) was helping to make Morpeth a brighter place on Sunday when they held a river clean up day. Volunteers and GMDT staff were appalled that 90% of the litter picked up was takeaway packaging and beer cans.
"The event was very successful and volunteers collected approximately 144 kilos of rubbish from the stretch of river between Oldgate Bridge and Elliot Bridge" said Projects Manager, Andrea Langston. "A task force of volunteers scoured the riverbank for rubbish whilst a canoeist paddled up the middle of the river collecting debris and litter that was unable to be collected on foot. It was great to have so much support from members of the public but quite shocking how much of the litter was takeaway cartons"
GMDT is striving to deliver sustainable projects and therefore intend to establish the river clean up as a regular event and will be looking at a campaign to involve the wider community in taking pride in their environment.
"Litter is an important issue in Morpeth and one which is relatively easy to tackle, by increasing awareness and promoting a cleaner environment. If everyone does their bit by using the litter bins provided throughout the town or by taking their rubbish home with them we could make Morpeth a litter free zone" said Alison Taylor Chief Executive of the Trust.
GMDT hope to work with the local fast food outlets to decrease the amount of litter in the town and look at alternatives in recycled or biodegradable packaging materials.
GMDT would like to thank Groundwork Northumberland, Castle Morpeth Borough Council's Green & Clean unit and all the volunteers who worked very hard to make the event such a success.
|
