AWARD JOY FOR LOCKDOWN CLEAN-UP HERO PAUL
A Paisley man who removed more than 300 bags of rubbish from Renfrewshire water ways has been named a Lockdown Litter Hero.
Paul Richardson is one of three people across Scotland to be awarded the accolade by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful.
The 44 year old, who is a keen kayaker, was devastated to see Stanley Reservoir strewn with thousands of beer cans, food cartons and more rubbish and set about cleaning it up.
In total he removed a staggering 120 bags from the water and surrounding area.
And caught by the litter picking bug, Paul moved his sights to other waterways and has made it a mission to remove the litter from several local rivers.
Most recently he has been focusing his efforts on the White Cart in Paisley, where he has removed a phenomenal 200 bags of litter.
Paul now intends to clean up as many of his local waterways as he can.
He said: “The amount of litter that ends up in our rivers and waterways is staggering. I couldn’t just sit back and do nothing - once I started to notice litter I couldn’t stop.
“I think it’s important that we all do what we can to help keep Scotland beautiful.
“We are fortunate to live in a country blessed with so much natural beauty, and we can all easily make a difference.
“Litter picking from my kayak allows me to get to areas that others can’t reach, and on a nice day, it’s actually quite relaxing!”
Councillor Cathy McEwan, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s infrastructure, land and environment policy board, said: “I’m delighted that Paul has been recognised for the work he’s been carrying out to clear our local rivers of litter and reconnecting people with nature at the same time.
“He’s inspired many others within the Team Up to Clean Up campaign to join him and it’s fantastic to see our family of volunteers coming together to try new things.
“This award is extremely well deserved and I’m delighted Keep Scotland Beautiful has highlighted another of our amazing Renfrewshire volunteers.”
As a Lockdown Litter Hero, Paul will receive a kit of goodies to help him with future litter picks courtesy of Keep Scotland Beautiful partner, Helping Hand Environmental.
Heather McLau g h l i n , campaigns officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “As lockdown restrictions have eased, we have unfortunately seen a minority of selfish individuals show no regard for our beautiful country, dropping their rubbish wherever they are instead of doing the right thing – putting it in a bin or taking it home.
“Paul has gone above and beyond what is expected, and it is the hard work and dedication of people such as Paul that helps to keep Scotland beautiful.
“We are extremely pleased to be able to recognise his magnificent efforts.”