Volunteers needed to clean up city park

VOLUNTEERS are being asked to help with the massive clean-up of Bute Park after Storm Dennis left it submerged under water, writes Thomas Deacon.

Torrential rain flooded large parts of the famous Cardiff park after the River Taff burst its banks.

The capital was drenched on Sunday as the storm hit, causing river levels to reach 3.5m, more than triple its average, and leaving parts of the park covered in rubbish.

A huge clean-up operation has since been launched, and now Cardiff council is calling on volunteers to help with the effort.

Today will see park staff and volunteers work to clean up the mess left behind from the floodwater. It starts at 10.30am and those looking to help are asked to “come along and make a difference”.

Equipment will be provided, but those with their own gloves and litter-picking equipment are asked to bring it along.

The park said volunteers should wear wellies, boots or stout shoes and suitable “working” clothing, and waterproofs in case of wet weather.

The group will meet at 10.30am on the area of hardstanding on the south of Coopers Field.

Anyone arriving by car is advised that the city centre will be busy due to the Wales v France Six Nations match at the Principality Stadium, and it is recommended that drivers use the North Road car park.

Another clean-up is being held tomorrow at Blackweir, Pontcanna Fields and the northern end of Bute Park.

The Cardiff Rivers Group is hosting this event and said they want as “many people along as possible” to help out.

Again, all tools will be provided but anyone with their own litterpicking equipment is asked to bring it along.

The group said it will meet just downstream from Blackweir Bridge, on the Blackweir Woods/ North Road side at 9.45am for a 10am start.

Volunteers are also asked to wear suitable clothing and bring waterproofs in case of wet weather.

Cardiff council said most paths at Bute Park are now clear but there is still deep water in the south part of the park.

It said all gates are being opened and locked as normal, except for West Gate.

Pettigrew Tea Rooms is open but can only be accessed via Castle Street.

The flooding left parts of the park unrecognisable, with large sections of grassland and footpaths underwater.