GALASHIELS Community Council chairman has thanked volunteers who took part in a spring clean of the town.
A total of 390kg of rubbish, more than 60 stone, was collected by 39 people from a variety of local groups at sites across Galashiels in just two hours.
Among the junk picked up by the volunteers who were split into groups to tackle certain problem areas of the town, was supermarket trolleys, bikes, wire baskets and old tyres.
Speaking at Galashiels CC’s April meeting, chairman Bill White said the pick-up had seen a “fantastic turnout”, with 109 bin bags filled.
And Mr White called on Scottish Borders Council’s wardens to issue more litter dropping tickets, after hearing only two had been handed out in the last month.
He said: “People need educated so they know the cost of dropping litter. Someone should be telling them ‘The more you drop litter, the poorer the quality of books you will have (at school)’.”
He added: “On behalf of Galashiels and Langlee Community Council, Gala in Bloom, and Gala Waterways, I have to thank everyone for taking a couple of hours out of their busy schedules to help – it is greatly appreciated.
“We have had new support this year, from Asda, and they have committed to helping again.
“The Galashiels Rotary Club in a combined effort with Gala Rugby Club did some sterling work down Huddersfield Street and around Netherdale and this group have grown in numbers. The group meeting at Curry’s car park included seven new volunteers.
“We will be sending a list of areas we feel need further attention to SBC in due course and will be asking our wardens to watch specific problem areas.”
Anyone wishing to help clean the Mill Lade and Gala Water river banks in the town, preferably with knowledge of the water systems, is asked to contact Mr White on 07977 428840 or email w.white43@btinternet.com