Keep Inverclyde clean appeal
VOLUNTEERS who give up their time to keep Inverclyde clean and tidy have been praised by the council ahead of local and national litter-pick events.
Members of community group the Literati Guide to Inverclyde were commended at a recent full council meeting in a motion by Councillor Martin McCluskey and seconded by Councillor Paul Cassidy.
The voluntary organisation has been running for more than six years and arranges litter picks throughout the area, with support from the local authority, to keep streets and shorelines free from rubbish and other debris.
The motion praising the Literati group received unanimous support from councillors at the meeting.
It was lodged ahead of the annual Spring Clean organised by Keep Scotland Beautiful, which this year runs from 15 March to 28 April 2024, in a bid to encourage more people to get involved and help keep their local area litter-free.
The Literati group will be taking part in the event and are organising the ‘Big Clyde Beach Clean’ – a series of litter picks covering the entire length of Inverclyde’s shoreline and surrounding areas.
Councillor McCluskey said: “It’s a shame that we need groups like the Literati Guide in the first place because nobody should be dropping litter. It is illegal, anti-social and harmful to the environment, sea life and wildlife and I’m at a loss as to why anyone would want to make a mess of where they live, work or visit.
“Having said that, the Literati group does incredible work throughout Inverclyde keeping our streets and shorelines clean and tidy and their small army of volunteers deserve a huge amount of credit for that.
“They are always looking for new members to help lighten the load and make a greater impact in our towns and villages and with Spring Clean 2024 just around the corner, there is no better time to get involved and take pride in Inverclyde.”
The motion highlighted how in the first three weeks of 2024 alone, 47 volunteers from the group cleared 90 bags worth of rubbish off the streets.
Councillor Cassidy said: “I’ve seen first-hand the work volunteers from the Literati Guide do week in, week out to remove litter from our community to complement and enhance the work of council staff and services.
“We live in one of the most beautiful places in the country and while not everybody appreciates that, local litter-pickers make a significant contribution to keeping Inverclyde clean and tidy for the benefit of fellow residents, visitors, and nature.
“I hope more people can spare some time to join the big Spring Clean and the Big Clyde Beach Clean during March and April and make a positive difference to their community and the environment.”
The motion in full is as follows:
Motion: The Big Inverclyde Beach Clean Challenge - Spring Clean 2024
Council notes:
1. Literati Guide to Inverclyde have co-ordinated regular litter picks and occasional corporate litter picks across Inverclyde for over 6 years.
2. In the first 3 weeks of this year 47 volunteers picked 90 bags of rubbish.
3. As an anchor group of Keep Scotland Beautiful, the Literati Guide to Inverclyde are planning a series of litter picks covering the entire length of Inverclyde’s shoreline and surrounding areas.
4. These will take place between 15th March and 28th April 2024 as part of Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Spring Clean 2024.
5. There is evidence that 80% of the litter in our rivers and oceans comes from the land so by keeping the beaches clean we can improve the quality of our seas for the marine life.
Council believes:
1. The Literati Guide to Inverclyde have made a significant contribution to keeping Inverclyde beautiful.
2. Our coastline is one of our area’s greatest natural assets and needs to be kept clean and maintained.
3. It is important that we encourage people to take responsibility for our natural environment.
Council resolves:
1. To congratulate the Literati Guide to Inverclyde and volunteers on their work to keep Inverclyde beautiful.
2. To promote the Spring Clean 2024 and local events through the Council’s networks.
3. To encourage members of the community to take party in Spring Clean 2024.
Proposed: Councillor Martin McCluskey
Seconded: Councillor Paul Cassidy
A report containing the motion that went to the council meeting is available in the Related Links section of this page and a recording of the meeting is on the Inverclyde Council YouTube channel via the Other Websites section of this page.