15 volunteers showed their commitment to improving the environment of Cardiff on Sunday 11th November as they braved horrendous weather conditions to finish removing rubbish from the wharf. Photos can be viewed here
When most people were hiding indoors from the wintry elements, the hardy volunteers from Cardiff Rivers Group and Atlantic Wharf Residents’ Association gave up their Sunday afternoon to help Keep Wales Tidy clean up of Atlantic Wharf.
The volunteers, who were assisted by local PCSO’s, donned their waterproofs and tackled the deep waters of the wharf using grappling hooks. On many occasions, the hooks would become snagged on underwater obstructions, but the Cardiff Rivers Group dinghy came to the rescue to free trapped ropes!.
Together, the team collected a tonne of waste including; 18 bags of rubbish, 8 bags of recycling, 2 bikes, 3 chairs, 5 trolleys, loads of metal fencing, roadside barriers, bike tyre, computer monitor, 2 fishing rods, corroded parasol, children's bike and a football.
All rubbish was disposed of by Cardiff County Council’s Parks Department. Volunteers were rewarded by the Holiday Inn Express who kindly provided refreshments at the end of the hard day’s work.
Duval Ferdinand, Vice Chairman of Cardiff Rivers Group said, “I am so proud of the dedication of the volunteers today. The weather was dreadful yet that did not stop them from coming along and giving 100%. We removed loads of waste so the area is much safer for local wildlife. I look forward to returning in the New Year with police divers, to remove the items that were too deep for us to reach with our equipment today”
Cardiff Rivers Group formed in 2009 as part of the ‘Tidy Towns’ project: a partnership between Keep Wales Tidy and Welsh local authorities. Funded by the Welsh Government it supports the people of Wales to improve the quality of their local environment.
Chris Partridge from Keep Wales Tidy said, “The efforts of the volunteers today was truly commendable. Together they have made a huge difference to the area which I hope local residents appreciate”.
“I saw a majestic, great crested grebe fly through the water towards the end of the session, so hopefully they too can enjoy the clearer waters we have left behind" he added.
Cardiff Rivers Group are always looking for new volunteers, so if you would like to lend a hand, please contact Louise Tambini on 07824 504790 or e-mail louise.tambini@keepwalestidy.
Please could you go to Trelai park as the river bank has been neglected and is full of litter blown of the playing fields after matches.
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