Newly set up Dumfries and Galloway community group aims to keep area tidy with litter pick drive

A new community group in Dumfries and Galloway has been established with the aim of keeping the area clean and litter-free. Named Keeping D&G Tidy, the group is spearheaded by Maggie Holdsworth, who dedicates numerous hours each week to cleaning up litter along the A75 near Dumfries. Supported by The People’s Project, the group’s mission is to unite individuals interested in maintaining the region’s cleanliness by addressing littering hotspots.

Maggie Holdsworth, a nominee for the volunteer of the year award in Dumfries and Galloway Life, expressed her motivation behind forming the group. She shared, “I wanted to find out who else was litter picking, where and what areas were standing out for needing litter cleaning. I wanted to know what wasn’t getting done and to find other people who might want to do more.” Maggie highlighted the sense of accomplishment that comes from cleaning up litter-infested areas, emphasising the transformation from despair to pride in one’s surroundings.

The group’s primary objectives include acknowledging existing efforts in maintaining cleanliness and providing support to those interested in participating in litter picking activities. They are developing a map to monitor littering hotspots and clean-up initiatives. At a time when Dumfries and Galloway Council is considering removing bins along the A75 as part of budget discussions, Mark Jardine from The People’s Project stressed the importance of changing societal norms around littering.

Jardine expressed, “Together we can change the culture of litter being the accepted norm in society.” He believes that minor individual actions, such as picking up discarded items, can collectively make a significant impact on keeping Dumfries and Galloway free from litter. The establishment of Keeping D&G Tidy aims to combat litter accumulation and preserve the natural beauty of the region. The group’s efforts can be followed on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/keepingdgtidy.

In conclusion, the initiative led by Keeping D&G Tidy demonstrates the power of community collaboration in maintaining cleanliness and preventing litter pollution. By engaging volunteers and raising awareness about the impact of littering, the group aims to foster a culture of respect for the environment and shared responsibility for keeping public spaces clean and tidy. Through their ongoing efforts, they strive to inspire others to take action and contribute to the preservation of Dumfries and Galloway’s natural beauty.