Community unites for Sincil Drain clean-up

Volunteers from across the community turned out in force to clean up Lincoln's Sincil Drain.

The day of action was in response to a recent residents' survey, which showed the waterway's poor condition was of serious concern to those in the Sincil Bank area of the city.

And so, despite decidedly mixed weather, students from the University of Lincoln, members of the Lincoln City Supporters' Trust, officers from the City of Lincoln Council's environmental protection department and staff from community organisation LCDP began the arduous task of hauling large items of rubbish from the river's murky depths.

Vicky Douch, a community development worker for LCDP, said the team had a really good day on Tuesday.

"About three weeks ago we did a litter pick and received a lot of feedback from people, with residents saying they wanted the drain cleared," she said.

"We've removed a lot of rubbish and children from Bishop King and St Peter at Gowts schools came along and did work with the police and art students from the university – drawing what they would like the area to look like."

With work being carried out near Sincil Bank Stadium, Lincoln City players Lenell John-Lewis and Luca Coleman-Carr put in an appearance to lend a hand.

Imps assistant manager Ian Pearce said the way so many groups worked together was "fantastic".

"We're part of the community and so we were glad to help," he said. "And it's brilliant that volunteers were pulling together, with everyone working hard to get Sincil Drain clean."