Stream Clear-up Gets Joining In! Week Off To A Clean Start

Published on: 23 Sep, 2013
Updated on: 23 Sep, 2013

The Joining In! week of events in Westborough and Park Barn got off to a flying start with members of the community helping to clear rubbish from a stream on Broadstreet Common on Monday (September 23).

Some of those who helped out at the stream clear-up. Some stayed most of the afternoon, while others came for an hour or two. Everyone’s help was much appreciated by the organisers.

The clear-up was organised by Surrey Wildlife Trust outreach officer Tasha Feddery, who provided protective gloves, hi-viz vests, bin liners, equipment and refreshments – the latter kindly donated by Tesco.

During the clear-up, that ran from 2pm to 6pm, people of all ages came along and gave a hand. Also taking part were community safety wardens Tracy James and Richard Musgrove; the co-ordinator of the Joining In! project, David Rose; and Nigel Smallbone from Voluntary Action South West Surrey.

The stream, locally known as Broadstreet Brook, runs past the backs of gardens in Applegarth Avenue and Roman Farm Road. The team concentrated their efforts near to the entrance on to the common via Harts Hill. They then worked down stream to the footbridge that links the common to Roman Farm Road, and a bit beyond.

Hard at woek in the brook.

As well as branches from trees and bushes that had fallen into the stream, they cleared out a good deal of plastic bottles, old carpets, plastic piping, bricks, concrete and other debris, plus items of litter on the common-side of the stream.

Tasha said she was pleased with the clear-up and thanks all those who gave up their time to help out.

David Rose said: “It was a good start to our week of events at which we hope people will come along to, take part and perhaps get more involved in community things in the Westborough ward of Guildford.

“Tasha said to me that once you start, picking up litter gets quite addictive. And she’s right!”

Bin bags with items recovered from the stream and around it. These will be removed by Guildford Borough Council’s cleansing department. Branches and logs were removed by Surrey Wildlife Trust and taken to Whitmoor Common where they will be burned.

Tuesday evening (September 24) sees a bat walk on the common, again led by Tasha Feddery. Free to all. Meet at Harts Hill entrance to the common at 7pm. Bring a torch.

Other events this week include the regular community grassroots gathering on Wednesday at which David Rose will be speaking about the Joining In! community-involvement project. The week concludes on Saturday with a free community fun day in conjunction with Travel SMART at the Park Barn Centre. It starts with a car boot sale at 10am.

See previous story.

Click here for the Joining In! website.