Clean machines spring into action

Apr 30 2009 Paisley Daily Express

THERE was a ‘blooming marvellous’ response to a plea for people across the Paisley area to ‘Spring’ into action and do their bit for our Clean Renfrewshire campaign.

Renfrewshire Council has been staging a programme of Spring clean-ups this month as part of the campaign and in support of Keep Scotland Beautiful’s National Spring Clean 2009.

Councillors from each ward have been hosting clean-ups in their local area and they issued a call to action to Renfrewshire residents to join in the efforts to keep their communities looking spick and span.

The response has been impressive, with around 80 people rallying together to take part in Spring clean-ups in their area.

No fewer than 11 separate clean-ups have been staged in Paisley, Linwood, Kilbarchan, Erskine, Johnstone and Bishopton over the past three weeks, attracting people of all different ages and backgrounds, supported by councillors from each ward in Renfrewshire.

As well as providing people with the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, the clean-ups have also given members of the local community a chance to come together and do their bit to help create a cleaner and brighter environment for them to enjoy for the year ahead.

Councillor Derek Mackay, Leader of Renfrewshire Council, said: “We are delighted with the response of those who took the time to do their bit to help support Clean Renfrewshire.

“As well as community groups and schools, it is vital that individuals step forward to make sure that Renfrewshire is kept clean and tidy and to ensure that it remains a great place to live, work and visit.”

Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of Renfrewshire’s Environment and Infrastructure Policy Board, added: “The Spring clean-up events have really helped to pull together members of the local community, encouraging them to take responsibility and make sure Clean Renfrewshire continues to be a success.

“We hope that these events will inspire more people to get involved in the forthcoming months.”

Donna Niven, of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “I am delighted to see that so many people in Renfrewshire have joined in with National Spring Clean so enthusiastically.

“This will add to the commitment being shown by the rest of Scotland in the battle against litter.

“There are now over 740 registered clean-up events taking place across Scotland during April, with over 50,000 volunteers committed to making their local areas cleaner and greener.”

Council chiefs are pumping a massive £2.7million into the Clean Renfrewshire campaign and the Paisley Daily Express – every Buddie’s favourite newspaper – is getting right behind the project.

Clean Renfrewshire can provide support to anyone who wants to organise or take part in a clean-up. Just call the hotline number on 0141 842 4448.

Details of other clean-up events can also be found online at www.cleanrenfrewshire.com. For more information about the National Spring Clean, visit www.news.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/springclean.