Flash mobs clean up River Thames

Flash mobs of eco-volunteers will descend on the banks of the Thames this weekend to clean up litter from the river and surrounding areas.

The volunteers, organised by London waterways charity Thames 21, will clean up rubbish that gathers due to the tidal flow of the fiver.

Thames 21 organises over 100 projects every year to clean up London’s waterways.

Programme co-ordinator Judith Ressler said the events reduce pollution in the river, and enable volunteers to connect with local wildlife.

“There is a gap in the law because once the rubbish ends up in the river it is no one’s responsibility unless it causes a flood risk or blocks the boats,” she added.

Thames 21’s James Aldous said by advertising this weekend’s events as a flash mob, the charity aims to attract more young people to get involved in its work.

“We’re trying to tap into a slightly different style of volunteers that are looking for things to do this summer,” Aldous said.

“We’re trying to open up our events to make them more accessible to younger people.”

The flash mobs were advertised on Facebook and Twitter, and the locations were kept secret until last week.