Youngsters help keep Renfrewshire clean

Jan 22 2009 by Kenneth Speirs, Paisley Daily Express

YOUNG boys and girls proved they’re a keen lot by digging in to help improve the environment by heading out and about for a clean sweep.

The schoolchildren were taking part in the latest phase of the Clean Renfrewshire Campaign which is backed by the Paisley Daily Express.

The project will see schools throughout Paisley and the surrounding areas demonstrating their determination to keep thing spic and span.

While the team at Houston Primary has already done their bit other schools will follow in their footsteps this month.

St Peter’s Primary in Glenburn, Paisley, and Linwood’s Our Lady of Peace plan to take action before January 31.

And in February, children from St Charles’ Nursery, Paisley, and St Fillan’s Primary, Houston, will be cleaning up their grounds.

Since the launch of the campaign in May 2008 over 550 volunteers from a wide variety of youth organisations, community groups and schools have taken part in more than 30 clean-ups.

It is hoped that the campaign will build on this success over the next year and those who have already signed up to take part in clean ups in January and February of this year will encourage more people to do their bit to support Clean Renfrewshire.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Derek Mackay said: “Individual and local community groups have made a huge effort throughout 2008 to ensure that the Clean Renfrewshire campaign has been a great success.

“In less than a year we have already seen a great improvement in our environment. However, we need the continued support of those who have already been involved to help sustain the momentum of the campaign throughout 2009. To ensure that Renfrewshire is a place which we are proud to live and work in I want to call upon everyone throughout Renfrewshire to make it their New Years resolution to do their bit to help create a cleaner and brighter Renfrewshire.”

Clean Renfrewshire can assist anyone who wants to organise or take part in a clean up by calling the hotline number on 0141 842 4448. Details of other clean up events can also be found online at www.cleanrenfrewshire.com.