Keep Bermuda Beautiful has partnered with area businesses to get rid of garbage in the canal along Mill Creek.Volunteers removed litter and packing materials from the water, mangroves and roadside on Saturday following community requests to improve the neighbourhood.“Earlier in February, KBB organised a stakeholders meeting with local businesses to discuss the challenges of litter and packing materials on the loose and how easily they can become roadside litter and work their way into the canal,” said KBB executive director Anne Hyde.“Once in the canal these materials can clog the sluice gate and impact the water flow which contributes to flooding in the area. Our goal is to start a discussion, provide assistance, and encourage local businesses to get involved in the cleanup process.”Employees from Tops, Bermuda Forwarders and Orange Bay Company helped the charity clear packing materials, disposable takeout containers and pieces of lumber from the sluice gate and surrounding mangroves, Ms Hyde said.The charity plans to contact businesses located further along the canal in the coming months to seek their assistance.“We are taking the lead in removing litter and raising awareness of the importance of sorting and containerising waste and packing materials in the business areas around the canal,” she added.KBB also supported three additional community cleanups on Saturday. Devonshire residents tackled garbage on Dock Hill and Roberts Avenue while Smith’s residents cleared rubbish in the Penhurst Park area on North Shore and volunteers from Couples for Christ removed litter from Admiralty House.Business owners who have shops, warehouses or yards along the canal can contact Ms Hyde on 295-5142 or kbb@northrock.bm.The charity will hold its annual appreciation awards reception on Tuesday at 6pm in the Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre. All are invited to attend.Useful website: www.kbb.bm