The Thames21 project to tackle pollution in the River Lea in London has won support from HSBC.

A £490,000 grant will include regeneration of existing reedbeds and the creation of mini sustainable drainage systems.

There is recent dramatic evidence that pollution has killed of thousands of fish this summer after heavy rain washed vast amounts of road pollutants into the River Lea.

Schools will also be working closely with up to 4,000 HSBC staff and community volunteers to create and monitor the reedbeds and drainage systems.

Project Manager Ben Fenton of Thames21 said: “We know how badly polluted these rivers are and how much local people want to see this pollution addressed. This exciting project is a key step towards stopping the on-going degradation of East London’s rivers and allowing them to be vital green spaces, which support a vast array of wildlife and offer joy and respite to the communities they run through. I am very pleased to be working with HSBC on this important project and I am grateful for their invaluable support enabling us to undertake this crucial work”.

Supporting the project, HSBC’s David Burnett, Chief Operating Officer of Global Banking and Markets, said “We have a long history of helping the communities in which we serve. This two year programme will help to address the serious issue of freshwater pollution and support the people who live and work in the area. The programme uses local knowledge and volunteers to construct and plant new reedbeds, which will clean the water and offer an essential habitat.”

Anyone interested in taking part in Fixing Broken Rivers should follow Thames21’s updates.