Historic drawdock cleaned up

Tuesday February 2, 2010

A historic riverside loading bay in Fulham has been given a new lease of life thanks to the council.

Broomhouse Drawdock was once a very busy harbour for small boats and barges. During the nineteenth century a ferry ran between the dock and the Feathers pub in Wandsworth and several other leisure boats used it as a base.

The drawdock had attracted a huge amount of rubbish over the past months and years, but the council, together with its waste contractor, Serco, have come to the rescue and given it a new lease of life.

The clean-up has certainly gone down well with local residents. Anthony Jelley, 39, of Carnwath Road, said: “The council's enlightened new strategy of bringing in Serco for frequent and regular clean up visits has transformed this previously neglected spot into a very inviting and pleasant place for all to enjoy. Not allowing litter to build up to the enormous volumes as has happened for many years previously, will I believe save both time and effort from now on.”

Cllr Greg Smith, cabinet member for crime and street scene, said: “Making the borough cleaner and greener is one of our key priorities and we are only too happy to ensure that the historic Broomhouse Drawdock is maintained to the very highest of standards. I am delighted that residents are pleased with the work we have done and am sure that many people are sure to visit this important part of the heritage of Hammersmith & Fulham."