Andrew mucks in with big clean-up

Jun 5 2009 by Stuart Wilson

FOR everyone that drops litter, someone else is needed to pick it up.

The binmen have had their shot.

The councillors have even thrown on their cleaning gear and hit the streets.

Now a big-hearted volunteer has given up his weekends to make Ayr a healthier place to live.

Andrew Boyle has more problems than most to overcome.

He lives his life confined to a wheelchair and can do without swerving between crisp packets on the pavement.

But Andrew, 24, is determined to make his hometown a better place to be.

So every Sunday, he joins councillors Elaine Little, Mike Peddie and Bill Grant in a clean-up operation.

It’s a hugely successful project which is helping to turn around the fortunes of the once dirt-laden streets.

Elaine revealed: “We have got a good team of regular volunteers but would always welcome more.

“Andrew comes with his support staff who are trying to involve him wherever possible in the wider community and use these opportunities to extend Andrew’s circle of friends.

“He has been out every Sunday with his carers and is one of our stars.

“He loves meeting people and we feel that it may have a positive impact on some citizens if they see that even people with disabilities are trying to make a contribution to a cleaner environment. Bill, Mike and me are very grateful to Andrew for his efforts and to the Ayrshire Post for their continuing support for our campaign.”