Council workers launch river clean-up drive

Laura Ellendale of Sheffield City Council said she was surprised by the amount of rubbish in the River Don

Sheffield City Council staff have ventured to the banks of the River Don armed with litter pickers as they launched a new partnership to clean up the city's waterways.

The authority has recruited community interest group Riverlution to remove rubbish, and council workers joined the team as work got under way - with plastic bottles, takeaway wrappers and even a discarded TV among the items recovered.

Riverlution said it removed invasive plant life and 118 tonnes of litter from more than 250,000 sq m of rivers within the past year.

Ben Miskell of the council's Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee said: "The Riverlution team has already done a remarkable job, and the project is only set to go from strength to strength."

Council flood and water manager James Mead said the authority hoped the work would "set an example" to other land owners along the Sheffield's waterways.

He said appointing Riverlution had "added value" as it worked with local volunteers and offered apprenticeships and training.

Councillor Douglas Johnson was among those volunteering to help clean the river bank

Council sustainability programme officer Laura Ellendale said the work was "really, really rewarding".

"I spend a lot of time behind my desk writing things and working on project plans, so it's the opportunity to be out physically doing something to help as well," she said.

"Sometimes we forget the day-to-day, physical thing we're trying to fix."

Riverlution apprentice Morton Brearley, 19, said helping to run volunteer days was part of his training programme.

He said he had been inspired to become a water-based environment worker because he lived next to a river in Mosborough, where he played with friends.

"I've always had a thing with water, but when I was younger, I never thought I'd be able to do something like this," he said.

"It's definitely a big step up from just paddling.

"I stick my waders on now and I'm in the river litter picking, getting really stuck in.

"It's a really nice thing to do, it really makes a difference."

Riverlution apprentice Morton Brearley said he was proud his work made a difference

Miskell said: "Sheffield was built on its rivers - they powered the Industrial Revolution and helped shape the identity of our city.

"Today, they remain vital assets, cherished by those who live near our blue corridors and enjoyed as places of nature, calm and connection.

"With a changing climate, these same rivers also can pose increasing risks, and flooding events that were once considered rare are now happening more frequently, threatening lives and our city's economic prosperity.

"That's why careful stewardship of our waterways is more important than ever and we all have to step up and play our part."

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