Litter pickers scoop accolade
Broxburn and Uphall Litter Pickers have been awarded a certificate in recognition of their selfless community work from walking and cycling charity SusTrans.
The group was founded at the start of lockdown and was inspired by the work of West Lothian Litter Pickers.
Broxburn and Uphall Litter Pickers is run informally by local residents via their Facebook page, where they organise and post ad-hoc litter picks.
There’s no committee, but coordination of the group is usually performed by Steve Salvini when required.
One of the founders of the Broxburn and Uphall Litter Pickers, Steven Laidlaw, spoke about the groups activities.
He said the group is happy to be recognised for its work.
Steve added: “If you ever see clear seethrough plastic bags by the bins around Broxburn and Uphall - that’s our work!
“Lockdown was the catalyst for us to start litter picking, really we were just looking for something to do when we saw the work that West Lothian Litter Pickers do, which inspired us to start ourselves.
“It was great to get some recognition from SusTrans, who’ve also been fantastic in supporting the work we do for the community.
“The council have also been excellent in supporting us.
“I think the council litter pickers are overwhelmed with the amount of litter
so we’re happy to help in our neck of the woods - and they always collect our litter bags within a day or two once they’ve been picked.
“We also organise river and burn picks - supported with training and waders from the Forth Rivers Trust - as well as cleaning the canal with the Winchburgh Canal Society in the summer.”
The litter pickers receive funding and support from several groups, including: Co-op, Red Bull, SusTrans, and Forth Rivers Trust to name a few.
All funding goes towards equipment like bin hoops, pickers, and vests.
The areas of most concern for the litter
pickers are the main roads, particularly the A89 with motorists flinging rubbish from their car to the roadside.
Hannah Taylor, the project officer from Sustrans who awarded the Broxburn and Uphall Litter Pickers, said the group’s members thoroughly deserved the accolade.
She said: “Broxburn and Uphall Litter Pickers give time to keeping their local paths safe and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
“Having received equipment through the Sustrans Love Your Network grant in 2021, they contribute to clearing their local canal path along the National Cycle
Network.
“The group were nominated for volunteer recognition due to the enormous visible difference they make in their community.
“Voluntary groups like the Broxburn and Uphall Litter Pickers are truly inspirational and their contribution encourages more people to walk, wheel and cycle on clean and enjoyable local routes.”
Locals who want to get involved are encouraged to join the Broxburn & Uphall Litter Pickers page, or contact Steven Laidlaw via email at steven.laidlaw1@ sky.com