Tidy Eddie is cleaning up!

Dec 31 2008 by Alison Rennie, Paisley Daily Express

COMMUNITY caretaker Eddie Bradley is in the front line in the war on grime.

Eddie is one of eight community caretakers based in Paisley South and Paisley South West whose role is to keep local neighbourhoods looking clean and tidy.

As well as reporting graffiti and fly tipping, they work at the heart of the community and residents are encouraged to approach them about issues affecting their area which they feel should be addressed.

It can be a dirty job at times – but Eddie loves doing his bit to keep Renfrewshire spick and span.

The Linwood man said: “My typical working day varies, but I start work at 7.30am every morning and meet with the rest of the team to discuss specific issues which we need to address throughout the south of Paisley.

“Our duties are wide and varied, which keeps our job interesting.

“As well as picking up litter and removing leaves, which are everywhere at this time of year, we also help to remove dog dirt which poses a health risk to the public.

“We are also responsible for grass cutting and trimming hedges, as well as small street repair jobs.

“Reporting property defects, graffiti, fly tipping, abandoned cars and fly posting are also part of our daily routine.

“Our work goes a long way to helping to improve the overall appearance of the local community.”

The recruitment of the community caretakers is part of the Clean Renfrewshire campaign, which is being backed by the Paisley Daily Express.

Renfrewshire Council bosses are encouraging schools, community groups and residents to play their part in the campaign, which aims to instil a sense of pride in the local area.

And Eddie’s experiences tell him that the vast majority of people care about the way their neighbourhood looks.

An important part of the community caretaker’s job is to build relations with the community so that people can approach them.

Eddie added: “We often get approached by members of the public. They will notify us of hotspots in their area that are badly affected by either litter or graffiti. This really helps us to take action to address the problems.

“We work until 4pm and, although we have to work in all conditions, rain or shine, the results are really rewarding.

“It is great to see the visible difference which you have made with the help of the rest of your workmates in order to help clean up an area which a few hours ago had been really untidy. I work with a great team who are all dedicated to their role and determined to help sustain the momentum of the Clean Renfrewshire campaign.

“It is also great to be at the centre of a local community. The response which we have received from the public has been really positive and their help is greatly appreciated as they help us to carry out our job to a high standard.”