Fed-up residents call on councils and Thames Water to clean up ‘filthy’ New River

Campaigners are working to clean up the section of the New River that runs through Hackney. Photograph: Malcolm Alexander

A group of Hackney residents are calling on Thames Water and two London councils to join them in their mission to clean up the New River.

The artificial waterway, which starts between Ware and Hertford in Hertfordshire and now runs down to Stoke Newington, opened more than 400 years ago to supply London with fresh water from surrounding rivers and springs, including the River Lea.

The aqueduct has become a haven for local wildlife over the years – the area is home to swans, hedgehogs and kingfishers, to name a few. It is also a popular walkway for nature enthusiasts.

“However, campaigners claim the river is often littered and requires more maintenance than it receives. Local resident Malcolm Alexander told the Citizen he has even seen birds ‘nesting on rubbish’.

The New River Renewal campaign was set up in response to this by people living nearby.

They now organise monthly clean-ups along the waterway.

Participants say, however, that they need Hackney Council, Haringey Council and Thames Water to “take responsibility for keeping the river and the riverbank a clean and safe environment” – both for wildlife and the people who live in the area.

Alexander said he had seen birds ‘nesting on rubbish’. Photograph: Malcolm Alexander

“It should not be the job of residents to continuously complain about and raise these issues,” New River Renewal’s website states.

Alexander explained some of the most ‘filthy’ parts of the river are inaccessible to volunteers.

“One of the problems is we can only do half the river unless we get someone out in a canoe,” he said.

“Sometimes we have to climb over fences to pick up rubbish, which is rather ridiculous.”

“Alexander said there have been “positives” in campaigners’ interactions with the councils and Thames Water. He added local developers have also given campaigners equipment to help them clean up the river and let them store their own equipment on their premises.

“But while there has been progress, “a lot more needs to be done.”

He said: “What we’d really like is better cooperation between ourselves, Thames Water and the London Borough of Hackney, so we can start discussing some of the issues which come up.

“Trying to get good coordination would be very valuable.”

The New River is a popular walkway for nature lovers. Photograph: Malcolm Alexander

The campaign’s objectives for this year and next, outlined on its website, include but are not limited to: determining “which parts of the New River path need restoration to reduce the risk of falls”; identifying contaminated parts of the river; and removing rubbish from these areas.

Alexander also said campaigners would like to get local schools involved in the clean-up process so children can see “how campaigning can lead to a significant change.”

“This is a very densely populated area of London, and very close to us we’ve got these two very beautiful reservoirs,” he said. “These are really close to where people live and to schools.”

A Thames Water spokesperson told the Citizen: “We take our custodianship of the New River seriously and our walksmen check the entire 24-mile route from Ware in Hertfordshire to Stoke Newington every Monday and Friday, reporting any rubbish or maintenance issues to us to address.”

Hackney Council said: “The New River is managed by Thames Water, which is responsible for keeping the river and its banks clean and safe for wildlife and people.

“While Hackney Council is not responsible for maintaining the river and has no dedicated funding for this work, we continue to support Thames Water by servicing bins at path entrances, assisting with community clean-ups, and improving the surrounding environment.

“We also work with the Canal and River Trust on other waterways in the borough.

Despite facing tough budget challenges, we remain committed to supporting our partners and local residents in keeping Hackney’s waterways clean and welcoming.”

Cllr Sarah Young added: “The New River Renewal Campaign does fantastic work bringing volunteers together to litter pick and advocate for the people and wildlife along the New River.

“As ward councillor for Woodberry Down and cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, I’ve worked closely with the group to provide council support for cleaning up the river and to engage Thames Water and Berkeley Homes to play their part.

“This has included installing new litter bins at junctions with the New River and adding them to regular council collection rounds.

Ward councillors will continue to work with local partners to keep the canal clear and protect its biodiversity.

“The council is also improving its sections of the path through the West Reservoir project — resurfacing the path, replanting wildflowers, and installing two new accessible bridges to help more people enjoy the surrounding green spaces.

The Hackney Citizen has approached Haringey Council for comment.