Renfrew looking radiant as inspired groups carry out a Big Spring Clean

Renfrew was the latest area to benefit from a Big Spring Clean as volunteers headed out over the weekend on community clean-ups.

More than thirty volunteers turned out to two litter picks in Renfrew as inspired teams tackled the banks of the Clyde from Wright Street as well as the Blythswood Woods.

Crisp packs, bottles, a shoe and even some skateboard wheels were collected as the volunteers filled their bags and made the local area a little brighter.

The Big Spring Clean is one of the flagship events of the Team Up to Clean Up campaign which aims to make Renfrewshire a cleaner, more attractive place to live, work and visit and is running throughout April, with more than 50 litter picks arranged so far.

Neil Paterson, Renfrew to Paisley People and Nature Corridor, said: “Clean up activities are key towards re-naturing the old railway and path and making it more pleasant for people and wildlife.

“Doing this through organised events is a great way to enable community involvement and for like-minded folk to meet and enjoy each other’s company.

“The Big Spring Clean is a good way for the council to promote and encourage people to get involved in improving  the environment throughout Renfrewshire.”

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, hosted the clean-up in Blythswood and was delighted with the support of the local community.

Councillor McEwan said: “It’s brilliant to see everyone coming together to make a difference to their own local area and I was delighted to join my neighbours on a litter pick at the weekend, where we even had volunteers from Elderslie make the trip across to join us.

“If we all take the time to make our neighbourhoods cleaner then the whole of Renfrewshire will benefit and that’s what Team Up to Clean Up is all about.

“We’ve made a significant investment as a council to ensure we can increase the level of work we do ‘behind the scenes’ as we recognise that we need to work with the local community to ensure the campaign is a success.

“We’ve seen amazing things happen so far with the support for the Big Spring Clean surpassing all our expectations.”

The Team Up to Clean Up campaign has benefited from a £2.5million investment in Renfrewshire’s local environment which has seen an increased programme of road sweeping, drain clearing, litter picking and an enhanced Rapid Response Team.

The investment has also facilitated local communities to undertake litter picks by providing them with gloves, litter pickers, bags and hoops, as well as the support of the council’s Wardens Service and StreetScene team who remove all rubbish following the completion of the litter pick.

For more information visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/BigSpringClean2019 or call 0300 300 1375.