WATERWAYS in Ealing can be 'adopted' by local community groups as part of a new campaign being streered by the Canal And River Trust.

The trust is appealing to people across the borough to 'adopt' a one mile stretch of canal or river and support a campaign which could help transform the Grand Union Canal.

Several stretches of waterway in west London have already been formally adopted by local community groups. The Friends of Hanwell Flight officially adopted Hanwell’s locks in Ealing last month.

Working in partnership with the Trust, people can get hands-on with their waterways and get involved in specific activities, from improving wildlife habitats and maintaining towpaths to helping with fundraising.

They will also be able to run educational events and combat anti-social behaviour. For some groups, adopting a canal is also a social activity which provides them with space for BBQs and events which bring people closer together.

Brian Fender, chair of the Trust’s London Waterway Partnership said: “We need more people to follow the example of groups like the Friends of Hanwell Flight who are getting out and caring for their waterways.”

“The Friends have dedicated time, enthusiasm, donations and expertise to enhancing and maintaining the Hanwell Flight and surrounding area.

“They have worked hard to establish the group, welcomed new members, created a website, and have also organised and run volunteer events.”

Simon Bell, chair at Friends of Hanwell Flight said: “The relationship between the Grand Union Canal’s supporting groups, the Canal & River Trust, Thames 21 and English Heritage, is an essential part of caring for and maintaining our national heritage. Working together makes the day’s tasks fun, achievable and safe. These are early, yet already very encouraging, days in the partnerships.”

Friends of Hanwell Flight’s next activity day on the Flight is this Sunday (July 7), meeting around Lock 97 or further up the Flight at around 10am.

All are invited to come along and help the group take care of an important piece of heritage.

Full details including a Waterway Adoption handbook are available from www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer or by contacting volunteer@canalrivertrust.org.uk.

Alternatively, call 0303 040 4040.