Volunteers have stepped forward who are eager to help clean up Grantham Canal.
Last week, the Journal reported on the current state of the canal in Grantham, specifically between Earlesfield Lane and Swingbridge Road.
This week South Kesteven District Council has accepted responsibility for the stretch, having previously stated it was British Waterways.
SKDC’s head of environmental services Mike Butler said: “Some community representatives have come forward who want to work with us longer term on the canal which is a great step in right the direction.
“This means we can draw up a proactive plan with local people that should mean we can clean the area more frequently.
“We have cleaned the canal approximately every 12 months from Earlesfield Lane through to its bridge under the A1 but it is the responsibility of those individuals that fly-tip.
“We will start our next clean at the end of the summer due to having to wait until the end of the local habitat’s nesting season.”
The council is urging people to take pride in an area which it says is difficult to monitor for fly-tipping.
Mr Butler said: “The cleaning is not just a matter of litter picking and is out-sourced to specialists who are experienced contractors who install a pontoon to undertake the work required that is costly to the tax payer.
“It is very difficult to stop individuals so minded to fly tip who contribute to the downturn of their local community. We have looked at a number of options including new signage and CCTV but because of the length of the canal there is no easy solution.
“We ask people to take pride in their area and work with us to improve the area for the benefit of all.”
l Are you interested in setting up a canal clean volunteer group? Contact the Journal on 01476 562291.