VOLUNTEERS are needed to help support a bid to clean up the streets of Renfrewshire. 

The Big Spring Clean is back and will take place throughout the month of April as people from all across the area grab a litter picker and do their bit. 

More than 1,000 volunteers took part over one weekend last year and with 30 litter picks already arranged, it’s set to be bigger and better than ever.

Community groups, school pupils, businesses and inspired volunteers are set to grab their litter pickers to make their area a little brighter as the local community once again shows its support for the campaign.

The campaign is part of Renfrewshire Council's Team Up to Clean Up campaign and is being backed by Keep Scotland Beautiful. 

Pete Leonard, Operations Director at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We are delighted to support Renfrewshire Council’s Team Up to Clean Up campaign and their Big Spring Clean to help tackle litter in communities.

“High levels of graffiti, litter and flytipping are closely linked to how safe people feel in their community. By successfully engaging with communities and businesses, Team Up to Clean Up has helped to make their local area both cleaner and safer for all its residents.

“They have been great supporters of our Clean Up Scotland Spring Clean and we’ve recorded more than 3,800 people taking action to tackle litter across Renfrewshire as part of last year’s campaign.”

Renfrewshire Council will provide all the equipment needed to volunteer, including support from the Warden’s Service and collecting the rubbish after the event by the council’s StreetScene team.

The Team Up to Clean Up campaign has been backed as part of a £2.5million investment to provide an enhanced street cleaning programme, gully clearing service, an enhanced Rapid Response Team tackling roadside litter and additional litter pickers across Renfrewshire.

The investment also supports the local community to take pride in their area and support volunteers to carry out litter picks of the local area to make neighbourhoods brighter, cleaner and more attractive places to live.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Keep Scotland Beautiful through our Team Up to Clean Up to meet the same goals – reducing litter and protecting the environment.

“They are striving to Clean Up Scotland and we’re committed to contributing to this here in Renfrewshire.

“Our Big Spring Clean was a great success last year, as was the Spotless September Challenge, and I can’t wait to see what our communities can achieve an entire month this time round.

“If you want to see your community become a brighter, cleaner place to live, then join a litter pick or host your own - it really does make a big difference.”

To arrange a litter pick or for more information, contact the team via wardens.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk, call 0300 300 1375 or visit the website.

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