10 May 2013

Spring clean for campus and surrounding area

Staff and students from the University of Dundee will play their part in keeping their city beautiful next month when they join with other volunteers to rid their local community of litter and graffiti.

The Bonnie Dundee group are taking part in Keep Scotland Beautiful's National Spring Clean on Friday, 7th June, in which it is hoped more than 100,000 Scots will take part. Dozens of volunteers helped to clear litter from the West End of Dundee during last year's event, and organisers are hoping for an even better turn out this time around.

West End Councillor Fraser Macpherson is among those who have pledged to do their bit and Trudy Cunningham, Environment & Sustainability Officer at the University and Vice-Chair of the Bonnie Dundee group, is encouraging others to get involved.

"We had more than 80 volunteers last year, and would love to hear from anyone who is keen to help keep Dundee looking beautiful for locals and visitors alike," she said. "Students, staff, local residents, visitors, businesses and community groups are all welcome to get involved.

"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 at the University's Campus Green (to the rear of the Student Union building in Balfour Place) at 10am before heading off in teams to spring clean the Perth Road, University campus, Seabraes and Roseangle. 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 is supporting the event by providing litter-picking poles and gloves. There will also be support from local residents and community groups who are taking part

The following day will see a group of local people come together to remove graffiti from the Douglas Street area. Led by Community Spirit Action Group, which represents the northern part of the West End ward, support will be provided by the West End Local Community Planning Partnership, the Criminal Justice Service, Police Scotland, and Tesco.

Elected members for the West End ward will take part, while the Environment Department will once more supply materials and staff. Anyone willing to come along and help should meet at Douglas Street/Ash Street junction, at 10am on Saturday, 8th June.

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

Anyone interested in taking part in the graffiti removal contact Natalie Mackland at natalie.mackland@dundeecity.gov.uk or telephone 01382 435873.

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