Have you noticed, how much litter and debris ends up in your local river? spoiling a natural asset and amenity. Despite this highly visible problem, no single organization in Wales, is responsible for the removal of litter from the our rivers. Thus leaving the task, strictly to volunteer groups !!

One such action group, the Ogmore Anglers pictured here, have formed their own work parties to clean the ogmore on a regular basis. Sunday, February 23rd an un seasonally warm, sunny morning, saw twenty of the Ogmore Anglers, volunteer their time and efforts to cleaning a very well known part of the river from the A48 Bridge down under the Dipping Bridge and on to the Humpback Bridge, which leads to the ancient village of Merthyr Mawr. Armed with black bags, grappling hooks and much needed enthusiasm, they set to work from 9.30am until the entire river bed and its bank were clear. It is said that a picture paints a thousand words........actions believe me, speaks far more....... just take a look at the rubbish collected from such a small part of the river coarse. The Ogmore Anglers have been conducting such river clean ups for many years. So please why not make an effort to attend, you can make a difference. Their next gathering is due on the 23rd of March and then April 6th, 20th, May 4th, 18th, and finally June 1st.

What can you do to help?

• Firstly, you can help by disposing of your litter and waste correctly.
• Secondly, report incidents of fly tipping. Incidents should be reported to your local authority or regional office of the Environment Agency
• Thirdly, and most importantly become a River care volunteer. If you would like to know more about Clean Rivers please contact: Keep Wales Tidy Campaign, 33-35 Cathedral road, Cardiff, CF11 9HB. Tel:029 2025 6767.

The Ogmore Anglers wishes to thank Keep Wales Tidy, Bridgend Council and the Glamorgan Gazette, for all thier help and support with this project.