Women’s Institute use ‘knitted poo’ to protest over river filth

Join the eco-conscious march on September 16th, as they champion the National Federation of Women’s Institute’s ‘Week of River Action’ and demand a cleaner, healthier future for our beloved river.

Social Lites WI ‘knitted poo’ protest

A ‘yarn bombing’ protest march against the pollution in the River Mersey is being organised by a Women’s Institute group – using knitted poo, felt fish and various other crafted wildlife to accompany their banners and placards.

The Urmston-based Social Lites WI will meet at the Lord Nelson pub on Stretford Road at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 16 and march along Meadow Road to the Ashton on Mersey bridge where the protest will take place.

Clearing up Manchester’s Waterways

They are carrying out the protest to underline the National Federation of Women’s Institute’s (NFWI) campaign to clear up waterways during its ‘Week of River Action’, from September 12 to 18.

Yarn bombing is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colourful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn or fibre.

Social Lites committee member Lyn Davies explained: “The standard of water quality in our rivers is shameful.

“We’re doing what the WI does best – rolling our sleeves up and taking action – and having fun while we’re at it.

“We want to see an end to pollution in our rivers so that we can clear up our waters for our health and wellbeing, our environment and to safeguard them for the future.”

Sewage in the River Mersey

Trafford councillors recently voiced their fury over raw sewage discharges into the River Mersey and called on the Government to establish the principle that ‘the polluter pays’.

The River Mersey flows through the Longford ward of Councillor Sarah Haughey.

She told a recent council meeting: “In Stretford and Urmston last year there were 24 sites polluted, 1,095 sewage dumps over a period of time amounting to 8.62 months.”

She said that since water was privatised in 1991 water companies ‘have paid a staggering £50bn in dividends to their shareholders’.

You can check out Social Lites WI’s Instagram by clicking here.