Volunteers in “blitz” on litter and fly-tipped rubbish

NEARLY 30 volunteers turned up for the annual spring “blitz” to remove fly-tipped rubbish and litter from the bed of the New Cut Canal at Woolston.
Focussing on some of the worst areas where fly tipping has taken place over many years between New Cut Lane, Bridge Lane and the rear of Nottingham Close, a complete skip was filled with the accumulated rubbish.
The most remarkable discarded items found in the mud and silt were two televisions – one of which appeared to be a quite new 48” model – two luggage bags one of which contained two X-box computer game machines and of course the usual bicycle!
The clean-up was organised by the New Cut and Heritage group in conjunction with Warrington Borough Council and is one of a series of events aimed at improving and maintaining the area as an amenity for all to enjoy.
Chairman Ian Johnson said: “We have had excellent c-ooperation from the borough council since the group began work and we are working with officials on a long term management plan to progressively improve the New Cut and Paddington Meadows for both wildlife and people to enjoy”
Press officer Anne Price added: “The New Cut canal is nearly 200 years old and as the last really complete section of the Mersey and Irwell Navigation needs to be cared for.
“We achieved a lot and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day.  Local residents, especially following a door to door delivery of 5,000 leaflets, are becoming aware of our work and on the day a mum and her daughter passed by and on seeing what we were doing and joined in.”
Contact details for officials of the group are as follows [email protected] and www.newcuttrail.com (under construction)