Volunteers from Freshney Place, GMI Construction and CLS Demolition – partners undertaking the redevelopment of the shopping centre – donned wellies to help remove rubbish and litter from the River Freshney and its banks in an organised clean up.
The clean helped to clear a section of river debris that can cause harm to wildlife and plants, as well as creating an eyesore in the town centre. Canoe River Cleaner, James Elliott, joined forces with the team and together they pulled around 13 large sacks of rubbish from the water. Amongst the more unusual items found were a wheelie bin, a bike, planks of wood and plastic crates.
The North East Lincolnshire Council-owned Freshney Place has won several awards for its green initiatives in recent years and strives to improve the sustainability of the centre, as well as enhancing the environment for the benefit of the local community.
Centre Director Amanda Austin, said: “We’re all striving to improve Grimsby, and the development of Freshney Place is pivotal to that. Enhancing the town also means maintaining our local environment to make it a pleasant space that everyone can enjoy. Taking part in this river clean is just one way we’re actively contributing to a cleaner, greener community.”
GMI’s Responsible Business Partner for the Yorkshire region, Brendan Tannam said: “As part of our Construction Cares programme at GMI we work with local community groups to make a positive impact in the areas that we work in. It was a pleasure to join forces with the Canoe River Cleaner James Elliott and volunteer alongside the Freshney Place Shopping Centre team and CLS demolitions to tidy a stretch of the river.”
Other initiatives to ‘green up’ the town centre in recent months have already met with positive feedback from the public. In partnership with Grimsby in Bloom, a number of hanging baskets and new planters, with integrated seating areas have been installed down Victoria Steet. A living wall has also been installed to improve aesthetics and air quality. These improvements come as part of the government funding awarded to Grimsby to help green up the town centre.
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