Graffiti-busters from Islington Council have boarded a barge to blitz a stretch of the Regent's Canal. <br><br>The waterway – which runs from Limehouse into the heart of Islington – is used by scores of walkers, joggers and cyclists every day. <br><br>To keep the green route in tip-top shape, the council's response team has joined forces with British Waterways and other organisations to sweep litter, scrub graffiti and hack back overgrown foliage. <br><br>Cllr Greg Foxsmith, Islington Council's Executive Member for Environment, said: "This canal is a fantastic place for green travel, which is already proved by the number of people using it for commuting. <br><br>"There's fresh air, wildlife and no traffic – making it a speedy and scenic route from home to work.<br><br>"We always support our residents in their green travel efforts, which is why we're making sure this canal route stays in tip-top shape." <br><br>The operation was part of the "Big Tidy Up", the country's biggest ever clear-up of litter across the country – from the Keep Britain Tidy campaign. <br><br>As part of the canal blitz, the Met Police have tackled anti-social behaviour. Responsible cycling has also been encouraged, with free bells dished out to two-wheeled users. <br><br>A "graffiti barge", with a machine using an environmentally-friendly mix of milk and orange juice, was deployed earlier this year to target areas of graffiti on the walls of the canal which would otherwise be out of reach. <br><br>ENDS <br><br>For more information please call Chris Weeks on 020 7527 3032 <br><br>British Waterways cares for and manages 100 miles of canals and rivers and 110 acres of docks in London. As a not-for-dividend public corporation it works with a broad range of public, private and voluntary sector partners to unlock the potential of the inland waterways for the benefit of the millions who visit and care for them. www.waterscape.com<br><br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009