Ryde’s Mayor applauds volunteers for beach clean organised by Hovertravel

21/04/23

Ryde’s Mayor joined volunteers from Hovertravel and residents from the town in cleaning the beach between Ryde Marina and Appley Tower on Friday 21st April.

Neil Chapman, managing director of Hovertravel, explains: “A group of 17 volunteers, including local residents and Hovertravel staff, spent an hour and a half on the beach collecting a large amount of litter. Keeping the seashore clean and collecting rubbish is an important way in which Hovertravel can help the local community. Most of the rubbish was small to medium pieces of plastic but some of the items we found could easily cause injury to people at the beach or damage to boats on the water. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who volunteered today as well as thanking Councillor Lilley and Ryde Town Council for their support with this event.”

The volunteers collected 17 bags of rubbish including items such as a deflated dinghy (in two parts) and part of a polyform boat fender, alongside discarded drinks cans, plastic straws and ear buds.

Ryde mayor, Isle of Wight Councillor Michael Lilley, adds: “I would like to add my thanks to everyone who gave their time today, such teamwork makes a huge difference to both the people who live in Ryde and those who visit too. It is inspiring to see volunteers grabbing their litter pickers and bags to help spruce up the shore area.”

Hovertravel’s HoverGreen policy includes identifying ways in which the business can use its resources to help protect the local environment. A bi-annual beach clean at both terminals engages the local community and gives Hovertravel staff the opportunity to become fully involved in a worthwhile activity.