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'I'll clean up the canal'

1/ 5/2008

A SCHOOLBOY fed up with rubbish and anti-social behaviour blighting a local canal has vowed to make a difference.

Young Adam McKendrick says he is sick of the litter lining the stretch of water opposite his Mills Hill Road home.

And he has had enough of the yobs that gather to torment the local wildlife.

The 10-year-old said: "There’s too much litter. It’s very messy and I've seen kids stoning ducks."

Now he hopes the young people of Middleton, and perhaps councillors and parents, will take the plunge and get behind his campaign to help to make a difference.

"I want people to to help me clean it up," added the Elm Wood Primary School pupil.

The area of the canal near Mills Hill has been a worry for residents for months. But Adam now hopes people will get in touch to help.

His proud mum, Joanne Mottershead, said: "We were walking along the canal the other night with our dog and there were kids throwing stones at ducks. Adam wants to get people together from the local area and help clean it up. It's nice that he’s so interested.

"They drained the canal once and then refilled it. It was nice for a bit but now it's back to square one. It's full of plastics, there's oil on the surface and dangerous things in there."

Adam, who is making posters for his campaign, added: "We will get fishing nets and fish out some of the stuff."

If anyone wants to get involved contact the Guardian newsdesk on 0161 643 3615.