Canal clean-up brings Rotherham steelworkers and Swinton volunteers together

More than 40 people helped collect nearly 100 bags of rubbish near Liberty Speciality Steels in Rotherham.

Swinton Lock Activity Centre sailed its two narrowboats to the mooring to join in the environmental improvement project.

The charity’s chief executive officer, Jayne Senior, said: “I am grateful for the support provided by Liberty, who came together with our volunteers and the people we support to clean up the canal. 

“It’s great when businesses get involved in the community and it makes a real difference to our work.”

More than 2,500 people a year access the boats, which Swinton Lock uses for environmental education and as therapeutic floating classrooms for abuse victims.

The charity’s main focus is a re-engagement programme for young people who have been excluded from mainstream education.

Liberty community and engagement manager Claire Neilson said: “I am delighted that so many colleagues were able to support this important initiative which will make a real difference to the quality of the area and help to support the vital work that Swinton Lock does.”

The steel firm is discussing the idea of a regular clean-up with the charity to educate young people about the environmental dangers of discarding plastic.