Volunteers muck in to clean Ayr streets

Apr 17 2009

Volunteers muck in to clean streets

COMMUNITY spirit is alive and well in Ayr.

For volunteers gave up their Easter Sunday to lend their support to an anti-litter campaign.

More than 20 huge bags of rubbish were collected in just two hours by the team, who took to the streets to clean up the Auld Toun.

And the three councillors behind the initiative are delighted with the support.

Councillor Elaine Little said: “The feedback to the story in the Post last week was brilliant.

“People seem really supportive of what we’re trying to do.

“To have people give up their time on Easter Sunday to help clean up the town is fantastic.”

Councillor Little and her two Ayr West colleagues, councillors Bill Grant and Mike Peddie, have been litter-picking every Sunday for the past year.

They called on the public to support their efforts after an Audit Commission report revealed that South Ayrshire has the dirtiest streets in Scotland.

Councillor Little paid tribute to the support their effort has received from cleansing staff.

She pointed out: “Without them we wouldn’t be able to do this. They give training to our volunteers, provide them with equipment and dispose of the bags of rubbish we collect.

“I’ve seen first hand some of the problems they encounter, like people throwing rubbish down in front of them after they’ve cleaned an area. It must be soul destroying.”

The next litter-pick will take place along the River Ayr this Sunday, April 19.

Volunteers should meet at the Smith Street end of Ayr train station car park at 10am.

For more information, telephone Councillor Peddie on 01292 886634.