Another Clean Up Success Story - Watersports Centre boosts clean-up efforts at Salford Quays

Salford’s landlocked waterways will see a significant boost in maintenance after the Salford Watersports Centre’s clean up contract has been tripled. Salford Liberal Democrats are celebrating a successful campaign to boost clean-up efforts at Salford Quays, with a major increase in support for the Salford Watersports Centre’s vital work on our local waterways.

The Watersports Centre has long played an active role in cleaning the landlocked waters of the Quays using their boat, tackling large quantities of rubbish that accumulate in areas like St Peter’s Basin and Ontario Basin. As Councillor Jonathan Moore explained, “You may have seen them out and about. They do a great job tackling vast quantities of rubbish.”

However, despite their efforts, the Centre had only been contracted for “two hours a week which, given the amount of rubbish and the huge area, isn’t enough.” Councillor Moore took this on as a personal project. “I took it on as a project to get this increased. After all, it perfectly fits with the campaign that Councillor Heilbron and I run to improve the cleanliness of the Quays.”

We're delighted to share that the contract has now been tripled—from two hours a week to six. This means more regular and effective clean-ups across the Quays.

Councillor Moore welcomed the change:
“I’m pleased to share that I have been told this morning that the contract has been increased to six hours a week, which should really help them. They were already doing more than the two they were being paid for, so this is a just and equitable outcome for them as well as good news for residents.”

Looking ahead, he is also pushing for further action on accountability from local businesses. “I’ve suggested that the council approaches McDonald’s for a contribution given that the amount of rubbish increased so much when they opened (especially in St Peter’s Basin and Ontario Basin).”

And in a show of appreciation for the behind-the-scenes effort that helped secure the change, he added:
“A special thank you to the council officers who have sorted this out – I won’t embarrass them by naming them, but they know who they are!”

Councillor Moore also highlighted the importance of the team’s equipment and dedication:
“They’re really good at what they do because they’ve got the boat so they can get in amongst it.”
He emphasised that “people don’t realise how bad it is because it’s landlocked water.”

This is yet another example of how Salford Liberal Democrats are delivering real improvements for local residents—ensuring that public spaces are cleaner, safer, and better maintained for everyone to enjoy.