1 May 2012

Volunteers sought for litter pick

Staff and students from the University of Dundee are to join with other members of the local community for the city's largest ever litter pick later this month.

The Bonnie Dundee group are taking part in Keep Scotland Beautiful's National Spring Clean on Wednesday, 16th May. It is hoped that more than 100,000 Scots will take part in the national campaign, with dozens of volunteers helping to clear litter from the West End of Dundee.

Event organiser Trudy Cunningham, Environment & Sustainability Officer at the University and Vice-Chair of the Bonnie Dundee group, said more volunteers were welcome to help tidy up their local community.

"Numbers keep on growing, but we have around 80 volunteers so far and would love to hear from anyone who is keen to help keep Dundee looking beautiful for locals and visitors alike," she said. "So far we have had students and staff pledge their support, along with businesses and community groups so we aim to cover a lot of ground.

"Of course, as well as removing litter from our streets and other public places we hope the event will encourage more people to show consideration when disposing of litter."

The volunteers will meet in the car park beside Dundee Science Centre, Greenmarket, at 11am before heading off in teams to spring clean the Perth Road, University campus, Hawkhill and Riverside areas. Lunch will be provided at the University for all volunteers, and prizes will also be on offer for the most rubbish collected, and most unusual item found.

Dundee City Council's Environment Department are supporting the event by assisting with graffiti removal and providing litter-picking poles and gloves. Staff from Barnetts Motor Group and Tesco will be taking part, as will members of community groups including West End Community Council, the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, and Jericho House. Community Payback teams also will be participating.

Anyone interested in taking part can contact Trudy on t.z.cunningham@dundee.ac.uk or 01382 386996.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277