Clean-up of River Tyne reveals unusual items

Dec 3 2010 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

LIVE ammunition, silver and a horse’s skull are among the unusual items found in the last year of river clean-ups on Tyneside.

Financial advisers from Oracle Financial Planning have become the latest group to stage a “bank raid” to tackle rubbish along the River Tyne shoreline.

In freezing conditions they cleaned a stretch of riverbank at Walker Riverside Park in Newcastle.

The Clean Tyne Project is a partnership between the Port of Tyne, SITA Trust and Gateshead, South Tyneside, North Tyneside and Newcastle councils.

It was formed in 1989 to get rid of rubbish in the river – clearing more than 7,800 tonnes of rubbish over the years – and to raise awareness of the issue.

The scheme also works with Newcastle University to monitor the cleanliness of the river at various points and target “hot spots” where rubbish is being left.

Simon Reynolds, from Oracle Financial Planning said: “Our team is spread all over the North East and every day we cross over the river to visit our clients. We really are pleased with the investment in time we’ve made on this stretch of the river.”

This year the Clean Tyne project has cleared four tonnes of rubbish and has included volunteer teams from Northern Gas Networks, Balfour Beatty, the AA’s insurance team at North Shields, DFDS, South Tyneside Homes and Gateshead Council.

As well as the usual old bikes and shopping trolleys the volunteers have come across an empty safe, a quantity of silver plate in a holdall, a horse’s skull found near the Ouseburn and live ammunition found at Walker Riverside Park.

Clean Tyne Project manager Stuart Norman said: “It’s great that local businesses like Oracle Financial Planning have the passion to keep our river clean.” The Clean Tyne Project has opportunities for organisations wishing to take part in next year’s riverbank raids and sponsorship opportunities.

Anyone wanting to get involved should contact Keith Newman on 07814 397951.