Angus councillor Lois Speed gets hands-on in the battle against litter.

Arbroath: Independent encourages others to do the same

An Angus councillor has taken the fight against the county’s litter scourge to her own doorstep.

Arbroath East and Lunan Independent councillor Lois Speed has adopted her own street in the town’s Noran Avenue as part of the Adopt-astreet scheme.

It encourages residents to take extra care of their street or an area they particularly value by volunteering to pick up the litter left by others.

People have been able to sign up since December and Angus Council provides a litter picker and hoop to all volunteers.

Ms Speed said: “I decided to get hands-on because – although the simple message would be ‘don’t drop it, bin it’ – the reality is that’s not the case and unfortunately people still think it’s OK to drop litter.

“However, I believe it’s just as much my problem and responsibility as it is anyone else’s.

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I believe it’s just as muchmy problem... as it is anyone else’s. I’d rather play my part. COUNCILLOR LOIS SPEED

“I’d rather play my part and put my energy into picking it up and doing something about it than relying on others to do it.

“I want to take pride in my local area and help look after it to make it as pleasant and enjoyable for others as possible.”

Arbroath hosted the first communityled litter summit in Scotland in November.

“I feel it’s crucial that we all pull together and play our part,” she said.

“I’ve become increasingly aware of the amount of individuals and groups that are out there picking up litter and full credit and thanks must go to them.

“They are putting in a lot of time and effort which must seem like a thankless task when they keep having to go over the same old ground. It shouldn’t just be down to one person or group or the council.

“I know schools do a huge amount of work in raising awareness and it works for a time but then often wears off.

“I’d like to think that the scheme will help change attitudes and encourage an overall sense of pride and community spirit.

“We live in an absolutely beautiful part of the county – Angus is stunning, so my job and the job of everyone else who lives here, is to try and keep it that way.”

gstrachan@thecourier.co.uk

Picture: Mhairi Edwards. Arbroath East and Lunan councillor Lois Speed has rolled up her sleeves and joined the community litter fight by adopting her own street.