A national programme, used by every council in Scotland, has awarded the city its highest ever cleanliness rating for 2010/11 – marking a decade of massive improvements.
Authorities across Scotland us Keep Scotland Beautiful’s LEAMS (Local Environmental Audit and Management System) cleanliness monitoring guidelines.
The process is structured so that councils carry out exactly the same monitoring to enable the closest possible comparison between each area – although Glasgow’s population and urban environment sets it apart from others in the challenges it faces to maintain clean streets.
Each authority carries out regular surveys of a random sample of streets and other sites, assessing: cleanliness; litter bins, including overflowing bins; types and sources of litter; dog fouling, graffiti and other environmental issues – even weeds.
Councils are independently audited by other local authorities twice a year and an annual validation survey is also carried out by Keep Scotland Beautiful.
Glasgow’s final score for 2010/11 was 70/100 – its highest ever and within touching distance of the Scottish average. Just ten years ago, the city’s rating was a lowly 47.
Council leader Cllr Gordon Matheson said: “People care deeply about litter, graffiti and dog fouling because they have a huge impact on how they view their city, their street or even their own close.
“That, above all else, is why we started the Clean Glasgow campaign – because by taking pride in a wonderful city we can make it a cleaner, better, safer place.
“This result is a big moment for us, but it’s nowhere near the end of the campaign. We all know there is a lot still to be done.
“Second best never was and never will be good enough for Glasgow – but the improvements we have achieved over recent years are immense and it is right that we celebrate them; and everyone that has contributed to our success so far.
“Our army of volunteers; our schools, community groups and businesses have been instrumental in working with Land and Environmental Services and Glasgow Community and Safety Services for a cleaner, safer city.
“We also continue to enjoy tremendous support from Keep Scotland Beautiful and, in the Evening Times, a real champion for Glasgow.”
A spokesperson for Keep Scotland Beautiful said: “We are delighted that Glasgow City Council continues to work hard to reduce litter levels throughout the area and the city is now cleaner than it has ever been.
“We all take on board that some areas continue to be blighted by litter and we call on residents, businesses and visitors alike to play their part by not dropping litter and using the many bins available to keep the city clean.
“It is only by us all taking responsibility for our litter and waste, and letting others know we won’t tolerate it anymore, that we will make littering socially unacceptable again.”