East Dunbartonshire’s scenic waterways will be the focus of a campaign targeting litter over the coming year.
In a bid to tackle the unsightly issue, East Dunbartonshire Council has signed up to a campaign being coordinated by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful called Upstream Battle.
With the help of three high profile ambassadors, Line of Duty actor and Greenock native Martin Compston, Blue Planet cameraman Doug Allan and Ocean rower Elaine Hopley, the charity wants to draw attention to marine litter and the fact that it starts far from the sea.
A staggering 12.7 million tonnes of plastic enters the marine environment globally each and every year. Some 80% of this marine litter starts life on land. It is killing wildlife, threatening habitats and is extremely difficult and expensive to clean up. Upstream Battle aims to change behaviour and prevent marine litter at source focusing on the entire length of the River Clyde as well as its tributaries to tackle the issue.
Operatives from the Council’s Greenspace and Streetscene team, along with local volunteers, will be carrying out a targeted cleaning programme in East Dunbartonshire including on the Luggie, Glazert and around the Kirk Burn.
Councillor Susan Murray, Vice-Convener of the Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets Committee, said, "I am delighted to see the Upstream Battle campaign officially launching in East Dunbartonshire and we are happy to get onboard with this ambitious Keep Scotland Beautiful campaign.
"There has already been a lot of community interest and activity, but this month will see a surge in the number of clean up events and schools getting involved.
"We are lucky to have such a wealth of scenic waterways in our area but unfortunately, due to the bad habits of a small number of thoughtless individuals, these are being threatened.
"Cleaning the banks of rivers is always a daunting and time-consuming operation for our teams and local volunteers, made all the more disheartening as we watch the litter start to build up again, mere days after we’ve finished clearing up. That is why it is so important to work on litter prevention and stop it at the source."
Campsie Glen is one of the most picturesque spots in the area but unfortunately also one of the most littered. A Big Clean Up event has been organised for Saturday 4 May and includes a litter pick by Council officers and volunteers as well as free children’s craft workshops at Aldessan Gallery, Clachan of Campsie, between 10am and 1pm. All are welcome.
Derek Robertson, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said, “Local Authorities have a crucial role to play in stemming the tide of marine litter and helping change people’s behaviours. We are thrilled at the level of commitment East Dunbartonshire Council has shown for Upstream Battle and all the activity they have planned over the coming months. We look forward to working with them this year on this important issue.”
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