Environmental and drain health initiative Unblocktober has announced an event to clean up Manchester’s canals. The event is open to the public and they are encouraging people to come to help make Manchester’s Rochdale Canal cleaner.

The event will take place from 11am to 1pm on the 25th October 2022, meeting at M4 6BX next to the New Islington Marina at 10:45am, before beginning the clean up at 11am. PPE, litter pickers and hi-vis equipment will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear suitable clothing and shoes.

The UK has spent decades consistently pouring dangerous liquids and items into our drains, leading to huge damage to our environment and creating fatbergs that clog our pipes and sewers. Unblocktober wishes to highlight the work that we need to do to keep our waterways clear and clean.

Jacob Larkin, Lanes’ spokesperson for Unblocktober, said: “This year, the Unblocktober campaign focus is on how right now is a ‘Time for Action’ to make a true difference in addressing the ecological and climatic impact of poor drain health. There is a climate crisis looming, and we are losing many of our green spaces.

“This year we have launched an event that we want to highlight the need for action now. We cannot keep shying away from the issues that we are seeing in our environment, and a key part of that is the way that we dispose of our waste products. The plastics and fats we are seeing in our drains are having huge implications for our environment and the ecological health of the UK, and it is time to act.”

The canal clean-up will help to remove litter from the area around the canal, preventing this harmful plastic refuse from polluting the water and damaging the marine environment for the wildlife that makes its home in the canal. Participants will be able to see first-hand how plastic pollution affects our waterways, while exemplifying the goals of Unblocktober by doing their bit to reverse the impact this has on the environment.

You can sign up to be a part of the event here: https://www.unblocktober.org/blog/sign-unblocktobers-2022-canal-clean-event-manchester