THEY are some of the heroes of Bexley’s environmental scene, whose efforts are seen daily by many people without realising it.

But the extent of their work and dedication has just been revealed by waterways charity Thames21 (corr).

In the last three months of last year, Bexley’s volunteer riverkeepers devoted a staggering 1,700 hours to help clean and improve the waterways of the borough.

The Bexley Riverkeeper Volunteer Programme is run by Thames21 and supported by the Cory Environmental Trust in Britain and Bexley Council.

It has been running since 2005 and uses regular and occasional volunteers to help remove tonnes of rubbish dumped in the River Cray and along its pathways.

The latest phase of their work has concentrated on public footpath 106 which runs along the Cray riverbank in Crayford from Waterside Gardens to Barnes Cray.

They have removed 130 sacks of litter, 43 concrete posts, 40 car tyres and several traffic cones.

More than 40 volunteers have worked to remove large amounts of litter and improve the flood defences by clearing blockages in the river and cutting back dense vegetation.

This has also helped make the footpath more attractive to use, as it has opened up the area and discouraged anti-social behaviour and crime.

Led by co-ordinator Ashe Hurst, they were out again in the cold and rain on February 21 clearing another 300m of the river from Maxim Road, Crayford to Crayford Rough.

Last year their efforts won the Green Guardian award for the best green project.

Malcom Ward, chairman of the Cory trust said the trust was delighted to have supported the riverkeepers programme for the past two years and planned to continue its support.

He added: “The work of the volunteers provides a great benefit to the local community and hugely improves the quality of the river environment in Bexley.”

Bexley councillor Gareth Bacon, cabinet member for the environment, added: “Bexley has great waterways and we are very fortunate to have some really enthusiastic volunteers and the support of Thames21 to help improve them.

“However, like anything, if we had more people available to help, we could do even more.”

Anyone who would like to help in the riverkeepers’ work has a chance on March 27 when they will be cleaning a stretch of the river at North Cray.

For details, call Mr Hurst on 07968 805751 or email ashe.hurst@thames21.org.uk