'Rubbish sucker' takes to the water

London has 80 miles of canals

A boat that sucks up rubbish from London's canals has been unveiled as the latest weapon in the war against litter.

The vessel, named Taranchewer, is the first of its kind and has been specially designed to duck low under canal bridges.

Environment Minister Michael Meacher attended the launch of the £110,000 boat, which is operated by Thames 21, a public-private partnership that encourages volunteers to care for London's rivers and canals.

Mark Bensted, director of British Waterways London, said: "Not only does it give us a new tool in keeping the canals clean, but it also gives the community an opportunity to take ownership and pride in its canal and become more actively involved in its management."

The boat has been paid for by British Waterways London and London's Waterway Partnership.

'Clean and green'

At the launch Mr Meacher also announced a series of proposals to continue to transform canals into clean, green and safe areas for communities to enjoy.

Among these will be a scheme to recruit 40 fully-trained volunteer wardens to provide a visual deterrent for potential litter louts and graffiti "taggers" along the Grand Union Canal.

Alan Woods, chief executive of Tidy Britain Group, said: "There are currently over 60 local groups involved in caring for rivers in London through Thames 21's Adopt-a-River scheme, organising clean-ups and even making a huge mural out of the litter they have collected.

"This is definitely the way forward and if we want our canals to be vibrant sustainable areas, we must continue to put the community at the heart of everything we do."

The scheme will start on London's 80 miles of canals and, if successful, it will be extended to other parts of British Waterways' 2,000-mile network of canals and rivers.