Brook Clean-Up Reveals Random Rubbish
6 June 2011
One of Derby's stunning waterways
A saw, a scooter and a gas fire were just some of the items found when staff and students from the University of Derby undertook a clean-up of Markeaton Brook recently.
The nine University volunteers were joined by community members during the tidy-up of the section of the stream between Nuns Street and Bridge Street, Derby, on Sunday May 22.
Other rubbish retrieved from the brook during the clean-up, which was organised by the University's Student Living Team in partnership with local community group Friends of Markeaton Brook, included mattresses, pushchairs and a TV. A shopping trolley was also removed.
Angie Dunkley from the University's Student Living Team, said: "Cleaning up Markeaton Brook used to be a regular event for our students, and they wanted to revive the idea. We approached Friends of Markeaton Brook who were really helpful and provided us with their equipment and expertise as well as taking part in the clean-up themselves.
"It was a fun and productive day, and we're looking forward to another clean-up exercise on another part of the brook in a few weeks."
The clean-up was part of Student Living's Footprint campaign, which aims to reduce waste and encourage recycling in the University of Derby's Halls of Residence.
Twenty two bags of rubbish were filled during the activity, which were taken away by the City Council's Street Pride team. Now, there are plans to carry out another clean-up activity on a different stretch of the waterway.
The volunteers are now planning to tackle Brook Walk, behind the University's Hall of Residence on Agard Street, in a few weeks' time. Anyone wishing to take part can find out more information by contacting Angie Dunkley on 01332 594185 or emailing a.dunkley@derby.ac.uk
The University of Derby is proud to be part of Universities UK-led Universities Week, which is running from 13-19 June 2011. It will be getting involved with national activities highlighting the surprising links and relationships that universities have with the people and businesses in their local communities, of which this story is just one example.
