PADDLING pools, TVs, tractor tyres, and a table tennis table – these were just a few of the items retrieved on a litter pick by Cardiff Rivers Group.
The woods near Trenchard Drive in Llanishen were cleaned up by a committed group of 18 volunteers who braved atrocious weather.
The event turned out to be the toughest for the group since forming in 2009, as the area had not been fully cleared in five years.
Two streams that flow into Roath Lake were also litter-picked as they were “blighted by fly tipping”.
The woods between Trenchard Drive and the Crystals were particularly bad and rubbish was piled up on a steep bank and into one of the streams.
Chris Hackett enjoyed the clean up despite the weather.
General waste around the area also contributed to a haul of rubbish that filled seven trucks.
“The rubbish collected was too much to count in terms of rubbish bags. It was a fantastic effort by the volunteers, and an excellent result from just two hours work,” group member Nigel Barry said.
It was a bumper haul for the group and the variety of items retrieved was the most bizarre they have ever seen.
Cardiff Rivers Group aims to “make a difference” and over the years they have certainly done that.
Chris Hackett, a group committee member, said: “My favourite moment was when we found a door with a number 13 that had been chucked and when we turned round, we could see that number 13 had a new uPVC front door.”
Cardiff Parks Service supported the event by supplying a vehicle to collect the rubbish and also disposing of the rubbish afterwards.
“Their support was key to the success of this event,” Mr Barry said.
Phil Bale, Cardiff Council leader, and ward councillor for Llanishen, also turned up to help out.
“Phil really got stuck in and wasn’t put off by the filth. He was shocked with the sheer volume of rubbish and tweeted photos during the event. He even wants to come again,” Mr Barry said.
Two local police officers also put a shift in as PC Paul Archer and PCSO Sophie Lyons joined in with the litter-picking.
The next CRG event will be at Caerphilly Castle on Saturday March 6.
- Anyone interested in helping out is encouraged to turn up and look out for the purple CRG van or call Nigel Barry on 07889 148948.
