Town unveils litter-picking canal boat

4 hours ago

Alex McIntyreWest Midlands

Walsall mayor Louise Harrison, pictured holding scissors, said the boat was a "fantastic addition" to the town

Walsall Council Two men and a woman stand next to a canal boat wearing red life jackets. The woman is holding a pair of scissors. On the canal is a woman holding the boat's tiller. A blue ribbon is stretched out between the woman and one of the men as the other woman is about to cut it. The boat is sitting on the water, mostly covered in green, with buildings visible in the background. — Walsall mayor Louise Harrison, pictured holding scissors, said the boat was a "fantastic addition" to the town

A litter-picking boat designed to help keep Walsall's canal network clean is a "fantastic addition", the borough's mayor has said.

The custom-built Sister Dora craft will be used by volunteers to remove litter along waterways and towpaths.

The vessel includes a large hopper attachment for collecting waste as well as on-board facilities like a toilet, changing area and a small kitchen for staff working long hours on the water.

The boat was created as part of Walsall Council's project to improve public spaces and funded through the government's Community Regeneration Partnership scheme.

Councillor Louise Harrison, mayor of Walsall, said: "The Sister Dora barge is a fantastic addition to Walsall's town centre.

"Our canals are part of our town's greatest assets and keeping them clean and welcoming is vital for residents, visitors and local businesses."

The Sister Dora, which was officially unveiled last week, will be moored at Walsall's town centre canal basin and is expected to start operating in the coming weeks, according to the council.

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