Community to 'reclaim' canal and open spaces

A series of community activities are being held over the next few weeks to celebrate the life of Hanwell teenager, Alice Gross.

The fourteen year old talented musician disappeared on August 28, 2014 - her body was recovered from the River Brent on October 1. The prime suspect in the case, Arnis Zalkalns, was found hanged in Boston Manor Park.

The community came out in force when Alice disappeared and Hanwell Clock Tower became a focal point for grief when her body was found. Now local groups are hoping to 'reclaim' the open land along the canal from Hanwell to Brentford where the teenager last walked.

During this coming May Half term (Tues 26th, 11-12, Wed 27th, 1-2pm, Fri 29th, 2-3pm) locals are invited to help plant a meadow of wild flowers, and on Friday 5th June, poplar trees will be planted - fourteen - representing Alice's age.

The events will culminate on Sunday 7th June in a memorial walk along the canal from The Fox pub in Hanwell (11am) to Boston Manor Park.

Heritage and canal experts will lead the hour long walk joined by Alice's family and friends - everyone is invited.

Organisers urge people to bring picnics, relax and enjoy Boston Manor Park. There will be music and refreshments in the walled garden and sports activities on offer.

The idea for the events took shape in the months after the teenager's death with suggestions to connect the route beween Hanwell and Boston Manor Park.

'Celebrating Alice' was proposed by local residents alongside Friends of Boston Manor Park - working with Alice's family.

21st May 2015