THE success of a recent clean up of a wretched stretch of the River Stour in Cradley Heath has led to organisers planning another two events.

Over 30 volunteers from the River Stour Clear Water Project blitzed the river by Bridge Street and removed a huge amount of rubbish.

Roseanne Adams, founder of the group, said: “The pile of rubbish from the river itself and its surroundings was really grotesque.

“But we had a great morning with over 30 people turning up and making a difference to the environment in Cradley Heath.

“The river is so hidden that many people do not know where it is and this leads to some of the abuse it receives, and clearly has done for many years.”

As well as the human rubbish the group tackled overgrown Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed which is causing problems in the river.

Mrs Adams added: “Due to the success of our first event we have organised two more clean up events in Cradley Heath when we want local people to help our efforts.”

Tyres and debris will be removed from the stretch of river between Corngreaves Hall and Hayseech Road on Sunday, September 29 at 10am and volunteers should meet at the hall’s car park at 10.15am.

On Sunday, October 20 the volunteers will be back at Bridge Street, Cradley Heath, at 10.15am.