Fly-tippers are putting boats at risk on the canal

Campaigners have warned that fly-tipping in Tameside’s canals is bringing boats to a halt.

Recently the Reporter has covered stories highlighting the increasing number of incidents of fly-tipping across Tameside. 

We have accompanied local enforcement officers to witness just how bad the problem is.  

But this week we learned of the growing problems illegal tippers are causing on the canal network, as we joined Mark and Luke from Tameside Canal Boat Trust along the Ashton Canal. 

After boarding the boat, Stillwaters, at Portland Basin, we made our way towards Donkey Stone Wharf  by Lower Wharf Street. 

Under the Cavendish Street Road Bridge, everyone was shocked to discover the number of items deliberately dumped in the water.

Discarded items included a tumble dryer, a metal bed frame, bicycle, wheelchair, DVD player, a blue wheelie bin and numerous supermarket trolleys. 

Mark Nield, chair of the Tameside Canal Boat Trust, said: “For decades, volunteers have strived to reopen waterways and keep the canals open. 

“It’s a total passion for a lot of volunteers up and down the country and here in Tameside. 

“Our boat, Stillwaters, offers boat trips for people with disabilities as well as the general public along the waterways surrounded in deep rich history.

“To find all these abandoned items dumped in the canal is utterly disheartening and extremely saddening. 

“These objects obstructed navigation and required multiple attempts by our volunteers over the course of a day to remove them.” 

Luke, one of the volunteers, said: “As the boat has a partial open roof for passengers to appreciate the surroundings, there’s an increased danger when we hit items as we’re sailing and sharp pieces of metal could potentially catch someone either in the vessel or if they are walking on the towpath. 

“The items could also cause damage to the boat itself. 

“The only way to appreciate some of the beautiful sights along our canal systems is by boat as some parts don’t have towpaths, but as we have seen here today, fly-tipping has blighted the area.” 

Mark added: “As part of the Canal & River Trusts Canal Adoption scheme, Tameside Canal Boat Trust has adopted a section of the Ashton Canal between Portland Basin and Donkey Stone Wharf in Ashton-under-Lyne. 

“We diligently strive to maintain the cleanliness and tidiness of the canal. 

“Our volunteers frequently retrieve abandoned supermarket trolleys and collect numerous bags of floating cans and bottles. 

“We also invite young people from local community groups over the winter to participate in canal clean-up days, highlighting and educating them about the importance of environmental protection and the heritage of our waterways. 

“If there was ever an emergency situation in the water, you just don’t know what’s lying underneath the waterline. 

“Recently we also found a roll of steel wire. 

“In all the years of volunteering on the Ashton Canal, this is the worst I have ever experienced. 

“We would appreciate support from the local council, and for Greater Manchester Police to assist in trying to apprehend the offenders.”