Clear-up project aiming to revitalise rubbish-hit river

AREAS of the River Aire blighted by rubbish are being cleaned and revitalised.

This week the Environment Agency will finish clearing work between Baildon Bridge in Shipley and Buck Lane near Marston Nature Reserve, an area previously badly affected by rubbish in the river.

The project started in March as flood risk reduction work to remove trees that might cause a blockage in the river was being carried out in the area by the Environment Agency.

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Environment Agency operations delivery member Daniel Jagucki said: “In March we cleared three skips full of rubbish from the area including bikes, fridges and mattresses.

“We also filled two skips with scrap metal which was donated to local not for profit recycling company Aire Valley Recycling. In addition to the obvious visual benefits this work will further improve water quality and reduce the risk of flooding as water flow will be improved.”

The initiative has involved a number of groups and organisations. Businesses and volunteers in the area have been joining in with litter picks, path clearance and graffiti removal.

Kevin Sunderland, of the River Aire Trust said: “After receiving complaints from residents over the years it’s absolutely fantastic to see this work being done in such a beautiful area. Everyone has really pulled together.

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“While the water quality has improved over the last decade, people have been really put off from visiting this stretch of the river as old industrial waste was clearly visible.”

Bradford Council’s executive member for environment and sustainability, Ghazanfer Khaliq, said: “Our rivers and waterways are a valuable recreational resource so I am delighted that this stretch of the Aire is being revitalised for people to enjoy. Parts of the River Aire are incredibly beautiful and are important habitats for birds, fish and other wildlife.

“I congratulate everyone involved for their efforts and I would hope that, in future, people treat the river with respect and keep it free from rubbish.”

A number of partners have been involved including, Environment Agency, Bradford City Council, Community Payback, Network Rail, Incommunities, Genesis Patterns, and Wharfedale Finance.