Dunfermline clean-up blitz begins
Published 1 Jun 2012 08:40
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AN ARMY of volunteers took to the streets over the weekend to kickstart the new campaign to clean up the city centre.
Organised by Dunfermline Delivers, the city's Business Improvement District company, a mass litter-pick targeted the area around St Andrews Erskine Church, the rear of the bus station, City Hotel car park and access points behind the High Street.
A specialist team was brought in to lift chewing gum off pavements in the drive to spruce up the streets before the tourist season gets into full swing.
Among the volunteers was new chief executive of Dunfermline Delivers,
Maggie Mitchell, who said, "We need to make sure that when people come to Dunfermline they see the city centre at its very best.
"First impressions count for a lot and we need to make sure that Dunfermline is recognised as a clean and attractive destination where visitors can some for shopping, entertainment or a day out with lots to see and explore.
"Fife Council do a good job in keeping the city clean from day to day but naturally there are some places that need some additional attention.
"It's been hard work in the sunshine but it feels very worthwhile when you see the difference it makes."
Alongside the clean-up operation the Dunfermline Delivers team set up a stall on the High Street giving out information and goodies to the public to encourage positive attitudes towards the local environment.
To add to the fun of the weekend 'Golden Ticket' shopping vouchers were randomly handed out to shoppers and workers spotted using litter bins.
Moira Lang, chair of the Dunfermline Delivers Perception and Image sub-group and organiser of the clean-up event, said, "We wanted to stress the positives about the clean-up campaign and the Golden Tickets proved to be a really good way of doing it.
"Some of the costumes we used also raised a few laughs.
"All in all there was a great deal of interest shown by the public with lots of people asking questions and making suggestions about other issues we could tackle.
"Boots, Velo Cycles, Lula's Boutique, Lavande, Schmooze, Pink String & Sealing Wax, Premier Health, McDonalds and Thorntons all donated vouchers to support the campaign which illustrates how important this is to local businesses.
"Fife Council were very helpful in lifting the mountain of black bags we created and I'd also like to thank the Vine Church and everyone who volunteered for a litter pick on a very hot day!
"The next big landmark in the campaign is the arrival of our flower tubs and baskets in the next few weeks. All in all, Dunfermline should be looking its very best for the Diamond Jubilee and Olympic Torch celebrations.
"The support from the Dunfermline Press and the response from its readers has made a big difference to the campaign," added Maggie.
"Its evident that people are proud of their town and we'll be looking at the hotspots that readers have pinpointed to see what can be done.
"Where Dunfermline Delivers may not have the resources to address specific problems we'll work with the council and other organisations to try and find solutions."
If you know somewhere that's letting Dunfermline down send us an image and/or a brief description and we'll highlight it. Send to Dish the Dirt, Dunfermline Press Pitreavie Business Park, Dunfermline, Fife, KY11 8QS or email editorial@dunfermlinepress.co.uk
If you have any suggestions to help Dunfermline spruce up for Summer visit the Press Facebook page or contact Dunfermline Delivers on:
dunfermlinedelivers@btconnect.com.
This article appeared in Dunfermline Press 30 May 12
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