In support of Glasgow City Council’s new £4 million Clean Glasgow campaign, more than 80 residents from five housing estates in the area rolled up their sleeves to tackle ‘grime crime’ on Saturday (May 26).
Clean Glasgow aims to instil pride in city residents and punish people who break the law by littering, fly tipping, spraying graffiti and allowing their dogs to foul streets and parks. Such careless acts cost Glasgow taxpayers a staggering £16m in unnecessary spending every year to clean up.
Organised by Robroyston Community Council, members and community volunteers divided into groups and spent the day cleaning up Brookfields, Briarcroft, Glendale, Orchard Park and Campsie Meadows housing estates.
Each group was assisted by a Clean Glasgow community team, which provided equipment including bin bags, litter pickers and gloves.
And following the clean up, volunteers enjoyed a family fun day at their local Asda supermarket where a variety of children’s entertainment and well-earned refreshments were laid on. Donations were also collected on the day towards Radio Clyde’s ‘Cash for Kids’ appeal, of which the total has yet to be calculated.
Secretary of Robroyston Community Council, Carole Phillip, who organised the day, said: “This event was about leading by example and highlighting the importance of keeping our estates clean so that they provide an environment where residents are proud to live and are safe for our children to play.
“After the clean up everyone was saying how nice and tidy the estates were looking, but the key is to continue to encourage more people to take pride in their community. We hope that today’s event will go some way to getting the message across that people are responsible for their own actions and that by working together we can make Robroyston a brighter, cleaner and safer area of Glasgow.”
To date, Clean Glasgow has brought a great reaction from the public. In the first four months of the year-long campaign the City Council has formed partnerships with all local communities throughout Glasgow via the Clean Glasgow Neighbourhood Charter, resulting in over 1,000 volunteers taking part in more than 100 local clean ups.
Over 600 fixed penalty notices have been issued to offenders since the launch on February 19.
In addition, a Learning Communities Charter was introduced earlier this month, enlisting 80,000 school pupils into the fight and other Charters will follow targeted at the business community, major utilities companies, voluntary organizations and others. Ten new mobile CCTV vans have been introduced and 200 new bins with cigarette trays have been provided in the city centre.
Campaign bosses believe tamping out such anti-social behaviour will protect Glasgow’s growing reputation as one of Europe’s most stylish and vibrant cities, and a renowned centre of excellence for both business and pleasure.
Glasgow City Council leader Steven Purcell said: “We must change the mindset of the minority of people that view dropping litter, fly tipping and graffiti as acceptable and repeatedly spoil the environment for everyone else.
“Clean Glasgow is about a partnership between Glasgow City Council and the people of Glasgow – we want to encourage local people to take pride in their communities and help us to tackle this blight on the city’s streets.”
Groups or individuals who would like to get involved in community clean up events in their area are urged to call the Clean Glasgow hotline on 0800 027 7027.