Upper Achintore Regeneration

COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP AT UPPER ACHINTORE

Ken Johnson

The residents of Upper Achintore have come together to tackle a growing littering problem in their area. Supported by the Upper Achintore Regeneration Group (UARG), who provide litterpickers and bag hoops, local families and youngsters have been volunteering and have been active in and around the area with particular emphasis on Nairn Crescent, Mull Court and the footpath from Kinross Place through to Zetland Avenue.

Mark Linfield, who chairs the UARG, has emphasised the group’s aim of enhancing and upgrading the physical environment of this extensive housing area and added: “We are very pleased that some of our residents are borrowing the Groups litter picking equipment and tidying areas of Upper Achintore. They are making a big difference in the area and people are grateful for their efforts.”

Mark’s views are reinforced by UARG committee member Chris Heardman who looks after the litter-picking equipment. Chris said: “We have litter pickers and bag hoops available for anyone who wants to borrow them to clean up part of our area. Just send me a PM through the group’s Facebook Page and we’ll arrange pick up.”

A major black spot for illegal tipping is around the footpath and the burn running down from Kinross Place. In recent weeks, at the instigation of UARG, Highland Council has lifted the two large tyres but there remains an excessive amount of rubbish including a traffic cone, large plastic items, and two old scooters. Emphasising the need for community action, Chris made a heartfelt plea: “The youngsters have been really good lifting litter and rubbish even though it was all cleared just a couple of weeks ago. They simply cannot understand why people are just dumping rubbish everywhere and they are actually quite upset that all their hard work keeps being undone”.

If you and your friends and family would like to help with the UARG clean-up campaign, get in touch via its Facebook page or email uarg19@aol.com