Pupils protest against River Crane pollution

From Richmond and Twickenham Times (rttimes.co.uk)

Article by Rachel Bishop

Youngsters from A Green Flag eco-school last weekshowed their concern over the devastation from the pollution spill into the River Crane.

Pupil from Archdeacon Cambridge's School, in Twickenham, were upset about the pollution prompting one classto spend an entire lesson discussing the effect of the pollution spill and producing drawings and a piece of writing on how they felt about it.

Many of the pupils walk to school along the River Crane, so were affected by the damage caused to the environment and all the wildlife in Crane Park and Kneller Gardens.

One pupil wrote: "I am very sadbecause theRiver Crane has been polluted and every fish has died. I want to stop polluting forever."

An estimated 10,000 fish were killed after the sewage spill which happened when a six tonne valve in a major sewer serving Heathrow jammed shut on October 29 at Cranford Bridge while engineers were carrying out routine maintenance.

The Friends of the River Crane Environment (FORCE) have been working to improve the Crane corridor for the past eight yearsad held a volunteer event to help the environment recover around the sewage spill on 13 November2011.

Chairman of FORCE Rob Gray said: "More than 20 people turned out to help us on the day and we got a lot done, maintaining and improving the green spaces in Crane Park.

"Just as pleasing were the large numbers of local families, out in the park for the day, who were interested in our work and concerned about the pollution, but clearly had not been put off from enjoying their park."