Group clears four tonnes of waste from city stream
VOLUNTEERS from a community environment group have removed tonnes of fly-tipped waste from a Cardiff beauty spot.
About 30 members of the Cardiff Rivers Group (CRG) last week tackled the mass of dumped rubbish that has long blighted a stream in Llanishen, which runs through the woodland surrounding the Trenchard Drive estate.
More than four tonnes of bulky items and 50 bags of rubbish were retrieved. Among the waste were lorry tyres, carpets, car wheels, trolleys, treated wood, bathroom suites, pipes, a vacuum cleaner and furniture.
Cardiff council’s Parks Services will now dispose of what was collected.
Louise Tambini, CRG group committee member, said she was frustrated by the lack of respect for the local environment.
“I simply don’t understand why some residents don’t dispose of their waste correctly,” she said.
“The woodland is a wonderful habitat that is unfortunately being blighted by illegal tipping. It’s such a shame people don’t value their local environment and ruin it for everyone else.”
People of all ages and walks of life give up their time for the CRG, which has grown rapidly in less than a decade – from its five founding members in 2009 to today’s army of about 400 volunteers.
Louise was grateful to those who gave up their free time, and said residents from the Llanishen estate were keen to show their thanks too.
She said: “It was lovely to speak to locals who were very grateful for our efforts.
“One lady offered us drinks and use of her facilities, another was an avid bird watcher and explained how she enjoyed watching the wildlife use the woods.
“We also met a lady who litter-picks the estate and will now sign up as a Keep Wales Tidy litter champion – they are setting an excellent example.
“I just wish other residents followed their lead so we wouldn’t have this problem.”
The group’s next big clean will be in Sophia Gardens at the end of the month ahead of the Champions League final.
■ Anyone from Cardiff or the surrounding areas can join the group and help at future cleans by signing up to the mailing list at cardiffriversgroup.co.uk