AN EXCEPTIONAL community effort has seen the transformation of a troubled section of the River Skerne that had been blighted by a build-up of rubbish.

Walkers who noticed a substantial blockage interrupting the course of the river close to Darlington’s South Park issued an appeal for others to help them with an impromptu clear-up operation.

Peter Greenwood’s call was answered by volunteers from various Darlington groups and Lakeside residents in a bid to clear dams of waste, which included building site materials, pieces of metal, large branches and litter.

Mr Greenwood, of Lakeside, said: “Myself and my wife were just walking along the river a few weeks ago and noticed there were a couple of spots where debris had floated downstream and caught on twigs and branches and built up quite a lot.

“It had formed dams in the river we thought someone has got to do something about this. However, because there is no one, we decided to do it and get people from the Lakeside area to get involved.

“We started posting it on Facebook and word got around all the Darlington groups.

“The Environment Agency also saw our appeal on the web and offered to help with the heavy lifting as it could be quite dangerous for us otherwise.

“They promised to bring in tractors and chainsaws to clear the bigger branches and trees that were growing in the river – they’ve been absolutely fantastic.”

The week-long process is due to end today (Friday, September 16) with the final few pieces of debris being removed from the site.

A further clear-up operation is being planned for next month to include the full course of the River Skerne.