READERS may have seen last Sunday’s television programme Great Canal Journeys on Channel 4.

Starring Timothy West and Prunella Scales the programme documents their love for the nation’s canals – including the historic Oxford Canal.

The programme really highlighted the daily battle the community faces in tackling graffiti at Isis Lock.

We are starting to fight back and have a small group of dedicated volunteers who regularly remove many of these ugly tags and scribbles but more like-minded people are needed to get involved and help.

Last year the Oxford Mail reported on our volunteers doing the work in October, only to have to return a few weeks later and start again.

With the help of local people we can tackle the problem head on – whether that’s helping to remove graffiti when it appears or simply encouraging people not to spray in the first place.

Everyone can play a part and it’s only with local support that we will really start to win this war.

The Oxford Canal is such an amazing place – a haven for both people and wildlife.

The Canal & River Trust is always keen to hear from local people who would like to get involved and volunteer along the waterways.

To find out more visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

You can also watch the show again via the Channel 4 website, if it will help inspire you, at http://ow.ly/KuhqI

MIRIAM TEDDER Volunteer Coordinator Canal & River Trust Station House Elder Gates Milton Keynes