Thousands of volunteers have turned out to help clean up Renfrewshire as part of a council initiative.
Dozens of pupils from the area’s schools helped boost the Big Spring Clean – part of the Team Up to Clean Up
campaign.
During April’s month of action, which aimed to spruce up the area and remove litter and debris, more than 1,500 people took part in 544 litter picks.
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The figure equates to more than 18 clean-ups every day in a move to boost Renfrewshire’s environment and revamp the area’s open spaces.
Community groups, schools and local people all took part in litter picks across Renfrewshire’s towns and villages – as Renfrewshire Council offered support with the provision of equipment, health and safety advice and uplift of the collected litter.
Council officers also visited schools to speak to them about the importance of looking after our environment, and the kids were excited to take part in the Big Spring Clean.
Proud pupils spoke of their efforts to boost Team Up to Clean Up, with primary five Gallowhill Primary pupil Rhys saying: “We only have one planet and if it gets destroyed, it’s our fault”, while classmate Ella, added: “We were competitive about who collected the most litter”, with classmate Thea continuing: “People are throwing their masks away and they’re dangerous to animals and birds.”
Abbey Campbell, a primary three at Erskine’s Rashielea Primary, also said: “I liked how we got to buddy up with the P6s and got to help nature.
“It’s important so that animals don’t get hurt from eating the litter.”
Local volunteer Linda Kerr also took part in the Big Spring Clean and she loves to see the difference she’s making in her community.
Linda said: “I love that physically I can see I am making a difference, even in a small way, and I’ve collected more than 400 bags of litter this year so
far.
“I take my wee trolley with me, and I can easily be out walking for three hours every time I go on a litter pick so it’s making me healthier too.
“It’s brilliant meeting new people who are like-minded and want to help, and it’s great to see the litter removed once I’ve collected it – teamwork makes the dream work.
“For now, the Team Up to Clean Up campaign is needed in our communities until we educate future generations properly – and I think we are making a difference.”
The Big Spring Clean may be over, but the Team Up to Clean Up campaign runs all year round and new volunteers are always welcome.
Council chiefs provide litter pickers, hoops, bibs and bags for anyone or any group joining up to take part in a litter pick, and the authority’s StreetScene team will remove the bags of litter afterwards from an agreed collection point.
To request equipment, call 0300 300 1375, email wardens.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk, join the Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/teamuptocleanup or visit the council website at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/teamuptocleanup
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