Eco kids make a difference
Green team improve the town
Rutherglen is a more colourful, cleaner town, thanks to the efforts of greenfingered pupils, volunteers and South Lanarkshire Community Payback team.
As part of the Royal Horticulture Society Greening Grey Britain campaign, charity Grow 73 supported South Lanarkshire Council with its project to help tackle pollution and increase biodiversity by planting plants which absorb pollution on Rutherglen Main Street in four raised beds made by SLC community pay back team.
Grow 73 also planted 100 crocuses, 200 daffodils, 200 tulips and 100 alliums bulbs to brighten up the area for the spring.
Volunteers from Grow 73 and representatives from SLC and the Royal Horticulture Society joined children from the eco committee at James Aiton Primary School and members of the public came to show support in planting last week.
Head of fleet and environmental services, Shirley Clelland, said: “South Lanarkshire Council has been delighted to work in close partnership with Grow 73, Community Payback, the Royal Horticultural Society and pupils from James Aiton Primary’s eco committee on an exciting planting project within Rutherglen.
“Four large planters have been built by members of Community Payback and installed close to the busy junction at Main Street and Stonelaw Road.
“The location is close to air pollution hotspots and provided an opportunity to transform a large expanse of grey into a colourful corner that will benefit biodiversity, climate change, rain water retention as well as improving air quality.
“The large planters have been filled with a rich variety of plants chosen for their abilities to help improve air quality and attract wildlife.
“The Royal Horticultural Society has been on hand to help with choosing plants appropriate for the site as well as sharing their expertise with members of Grow 73, James Aiton Primary and environmental services staff during designing and planting.
“Rutherglen is one of three air quality management areas within South Lanarkshire and the use of plants to improve air quality is a pilot project being undertaken as part of our action planning to raise awareness of air quality and bring about local improvements.
“We have been delighted with the wonderful response from the local community to this project and look forward to seeing how the use of plants can be incorporated further to enhance our rich and diverse and sustainable communities.”