A NETWORK OF volunteer wardens is being proposed to curb crime and litter on the banks of Britain’s canals. Environment Minister Michael Meacher launched the Thames21 Canal Keeper programme at Camden Lock in north London.
“We all share a vision of waterways where wildlife can thrive, and people feel safe, whether they are cycling, walking, fishing or just feeding the ducks,” he said.
“Litter, graffiti, vandalism and dog mess are not things that anyone wants to experience. “However, as we have seen on other waterways, wildlife, public art and clean towpaths entice both people and investment.”
Regeneration money is already being spent on physical works, ranging from waterside artwork to restoring derelict waterways a building new sections to link existing ones. But ministers fear without a strong community feeling these works would become derelict and vandalised.
In reality, local environmental quality could only be achieved if local people shared the vision of a clean, safe, quality environment.
An important role of the canal keepers will be to reduce the fear of crime, not just by cleaning up graffiti and litter. Mr Meacher said they would also provide a reassuring presence on the towpath.
