Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Kris Gourlay

East Lothian fisher retrieves Tesco trolleys and buggies in clean-up operation

An East Lothian man dubbed a 'local hero' has continued his impressive clean-up of local rivers using magnet fishing.

James Pearson, from Musselburgh, had previously fished Tesco trolleys and other items out of the River Esk.

READ MORE: Edinburgh restaurant claps back at angry customer's review over 'tasteless tomatoes'

Over the weekend, another collection of rogue trolleys were fetched from the depths by James, who has also taken trips down to Birmingham to continue his impressive hobby of magnet fishing.

Well-known to locals, James was thanked for his efforts in retrieving some runaway trolley's during last month. This time around, as well as the usual find, he came across two children's buggies in the water.

The River Esk is in the midst of a major clean-up operation at the moment, with pollution being noticed at several different locations within East Lothian.

SEPA and East Lothian Council are working extensively to tackle the pollution within the famous river.

James' post in a Facebook group was met by thankful locals and received hundreds of likes.

As well as the usual Tesco trolley's, James also fetched two children's buggies from the River. (James Pearson)

One said: "Well done mate. Shame there's not a few more like you."

Another agreed: "Great job James! We saw you getting one of the trolley's out on the bridge. Thank you for what you do!"

There were also plenty people thankful whilst also furious that people feel the need to ditch the Tesco trolley's in the river.

One said: "Well done just said that this has to be done though."

Another agreed, saying: "Thank for for doing this and keeping our river free from objects that shouldn't be there."

James had previously told Edinburgh Live that he gets tip offs from the community surrounding objects that need to be retrieved, ut he's always more than happy to help out.

James also found an interesting old road lamp whilst fishing in Birmingham. (James Pearson)

He said: "My group members usually tell me if the spot something in the water, and I am also notified through the Musselburgh folks group and the Musselburgh street clean group.

"It can be quite labour intensive retrieving the trolleys, as I usually have to lift them from the water and 20 ft up a bridge.

"For me it’s just about doing my bit for the town I’ve lived in all my life, and keeping the wildlife in the river safe from metal debris."

As well as playing the part of a local hero, James also visits various other areas to see what he can recover.

During a trip to Birmingham, James retrieved various other fascinating objects such as an old horses's hoof, an Iphone and even an old road lamp that workers used to place on the side of the road to warn drivers of their presence.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.