IT was a case of supermarket sweep when Environment Agency officers made a dash to fish 16 shopping trolleys out of a Middlesbrough beck.
The team went to Middle Beck to clear out obstructions in the river which were deemed a flood risk to the area.
CONCERNS: Environment Agency staff with the abandoned trolleys in Middle Beck
During the day they cleared 16 shopping trollies as well as pushchairs, scooters and a carpet when they attended last week.
The items were pulled from the river in a 200 yard stretch between Homerton Road and the debris screen. The team removed the items to ensure the beck was flowing freely.
Andy Foster, of the Environment Agency, said: “All this debris creates a blockage which is ultimately deemed a flood risk and can affect local residents.
“Every day we’re out and about ensuring anything which is a potential flood risk is removed and the watercourses are running freely.
“I’d urge people to ensure shopping trollies stay where they belong – at the supermarket – and to discard of their rubbish responsibly. They are ultimately putting their community at risk of flooding."
- Anyone wanting further information on the problem should visit gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here