OVER 80 members of 2nd Lambeg Scout Group managed to collect over 60 large bags of rubbish along a 10 mile length of the River Lagan recently as they took part in a clear-up of the area.

Following the floods in August an amazing amount of rubbish had be deposited along the river bank, and as users of the river for

kayaking and of the Tow Path for cycling and walks; Cubs (aged 8 - 10), Scouts (aged 10 -14), Explorers (aged 14 -18)and Leaders from the group thought it would be a good idea to help clear up the rubbish from the Tow Path and accessible areas of the hank.

The clean up was suggested to the Lagan Valley Regional Park based in Belfast, who liaised with local councils and the Rivers Agency to organise it.

The group split into sections with the Cubs clearing between the Union Lock at Sprucefield to the Coca Cola Factory at Lambeg. Scouts cleared from the Coke factory to Shaw's Bridge in Belfast and the Explorers from Shaw's Bridge down beyond Belvoir Forest.

A small number of Beavers (aged 6 - 8) from the group who are due to move up to Cubs at Christmas were accompanied by their parents and helped the Cubs and Scouts.

The Clear up collected a wide variety of rubbish including car wheels, Kayak paddles and large amounts of plastic bottles and bags. The Clear up also helped the youth participants gain there Environment Award. It is hoped that the award will be presented in a couple of weeks by representatives of Lagan Valley Regional Park.

Ulster Star
10/10/2008