It was great to join Aaron and Richard from the Canal & River Trust and local Kickstart trainees along the canals and see the fantastic work they are doing to keep the local canals clean.
I spoke with the trainees about their work maintaining the canals for local people, from litter picking to weeding amongst other tasks. Kickstart is a Government-funded programme that provides six-month work placements for 16–24 year-olds. It was fantastic to hear how this brilliant scheme has provided them with vital training and skills in waterways management and heritage repair to enhance employability.
I also spoke with Aaron and Richard about the work the West Midlands Police and Walsall Council do in partnership with the Trust to make the canals safer and cleaner. This includes installing both CCTV and new bins along the towpaths to tackle anti-social behaviour, fly tipping, and litter.
I look forward to joining the Trust in a litter pick along the local canals very soon!