Volunteers in Renfrewshire made a flying start to Spotless September as the annual litter picking event began yesterday (1 September).
A mainstay in the events calendar of the award-winning Team Up to Clean Up campaign, more than 1,000 bags of litter were removed from the local environment this time last year and volunteers are keen to match – and exceed – that this year.
Pals of the Privies were one of the first groups out supporting the campaign, closely followed by pupils from Castlehead High School and countless lone litter pickers across Renfrewshire.
Karen Campbell, Pals of the Privies, said: “We love to litter pick and see the difference it can make to where we live.
“People thank us and offer encouragement, especially to our young people who I don’t think realised how much they’d enjoy it.
“We collected seven bags in just an hour, imagine the difference we can make if everyone in Renfrewshire collects just one bag during Spotless September – get out there!”
The event is part of the wider Team Up to Clean Up campaign which bring the Council and community together to tackle environmental issues in Renfrewshire.
Volunteers are supported with equipment and collection of the bags from litter picks, while the Council are investing in additional gully cleaning, road sweeping, litter picking as well as fly tipping, dog fouling and recycling campaigns.
Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “I’m delighted that Spotless September is back once again and I can’t wait to see the difference that we can make to Renfrewshire this month.
“I know how dedicated our volunteers are as they are litter picking all-year-round and we’re committed to supporting them with whatever they need, as well as investing in our services too to ensure this is a joint campaign.
“If you can spare ten minutes, an hour or any time at all, please get in touch and we’ll provide you with all you need to make your area brighter. Join us and make it a Spotless September.”
For more information, including how to take part, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/SpotlessSeptember.