River Weaver plastic waste puts birds at risk at Vale Royal Locks

The Canal and River Trust has told the Guardian that it removes ‘tonnes of material’ every year from the River Weaver, which it insists picks up ‘an unusually large amount of litter’.

Its claims come after Guardian reader Gwyndaf Roberts, from Middlewich, captured the scene at Vale Royal Locks, where discarded plastic is blighting a much-loved beauty spot for walkers from mid Cheshire.

“I was very concerned about the large amount of rubbish that had gathered at the barrier next to the sluice gate, especially when I saw two Moorhens searching for food in all this detritus,” Gwyndaf told the Guardian.

“There could be something there that could endanger their lives.”

Vale Royal Locks, which sits between Whitegate and Davenham, has been in operation since 1732.

Cllr Michael Baynham, Cheshire West and Chester Council member for Winsford Over and Verdin, told the Guardian he is ‘saddened’ to see plastic pollution on the locks, which can remain in the water for many years.

“We are very fortunate that we have relatively easy access to the countryside and a large number of walkways which are maintained for us to enjoy the rivers and wooded areas which surround our urban areas,” he said.

“Unfortunately, we and other areas suffer from litter dumped by a small minority which turn these areas into ‘grot spots’ that spoil the countryside for the vast majority of people who enjoy the walks, cycling and outdoor activities.

“I know the vast majority of responsible people do not want the litter dumped in this way, yet it is often down to committed people to work to remove the litter from our community areas.”

Cllr Helen Weltman, CWAC member for Davenham and Moulton, added: “We have all seen the pictures and read about the problems that single-use plastics cause our oceans, but when you see it at a local level, in our river, it really brings it home.

“The river is a real asset to Northwich and therefore people should be more mindful of how much plastic they use and how they dispose of it. We should be asking people to take it home and recycle it, not just dump it.”

The Canal and River Trust works throughout the year to maintain the River Weaver, and it is urging members of the public to take their litter home.

A spokesman at the trust said: “We face a constant challenge keeping our canals and river navigations litter-free and in good condition – especially at this time of year.

“The weather has recently been very wet which results in high flow rates on the River Weaver. The river picks up an unusually large amount of litter and woodland waste, which tends to collect at the top of weirs and other barriers and sheltered spots.

“The debris collection booms are doing their job by holding the material at key points along the river enabling our teams to retrieve the waste using specialist collection craft.

“Our operational teams remove tonnes of material from the river every year which is particularly challenging in the winter months.”

The trust added that it is in talks with volunteer groups who can help clear areas of the River Weaver.

Over the past month, the Guardian has been urging Cheshire to ‘say no to plastic’.

Carla Flynn, editor of the Guardian, said: “The Blue Planet programme influenced so many people by showing the problem of pollution in our oceans, but when you see this on your own doorstep it really hits home.

“We all have a responsibility to take more care over what we throw away and to say no to plastic.”

For details about volunteering to clear litter on the River Weaver email jason.watts@canalrivertrust.org.uk