Paisley Daily Express Column

Paisley Daily Express Column - 17 June 2010

KEEPING RENFREWSHIRE TIDY

Given how often I hear complaints about litter, it was good news that a Litter Day of Action took place across Scotland last week.

The idea behind the day was that anyone who was caught either dropping litter or letting their dog foul on the street would be issued with a fine of £50.

I feel strongly that we are all share responsibility for the upkeep of our local area and it is very important that we have respect for the surroundings that we all share.

Not only is litter an eyesore but it also costs a lot of taxpayers’ money to clean it up. And in these tough times, money which comes out of everyone’s pockets that many can ill afford.

In recent years local schools have undertaken great work making sure pupils understand the problems that litter causes in our streets. It’s important that the message is reinforced to young people and children here in Renfrewshire that littering is not acceptable so I welcome this latest initiative.

BB COMMUNITY WINNERS

Only a couple of weeks ago I wrote in this column about new lottery grants that have recently been distributed to deserving local groups across Renfrewshire.

I was even more delighted to hear this week that local sports clubs have also benefited from recent lottery funding, this time from the 2014 Communities award fund.

The idea behind the 2014 Communities fund is to encourage more people to get involved in physical activity as well as to encourage greater community cohesion in the run-up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games, to be held in Glasgow.

I am aware that lots of local people are doing excellent community work and many people do participate in the varied sports teams and clubs that the area boasts.

It is great to see some of these getting the recognition and funding that they need to continue their positive work.

One of the successful groups was the 8th Paisley Boys' Brigade Company which received a £500 award to help them to fund a football and a badminton team for their members.

As a former member of the Paisley Battalion of the Boys' Brigade myself I was really pleased to see such a worthy organisation benefit from the funding.

If you would like to find out more about the funding and application process, go online to www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

AGEFEST

Agefest is an event that will be taking place in Renfrewshire next year.

The idea behind the event is to provide activities and opportunities for older people here in Renfrewshire to get together and celebrate their time in life.
The first Agefest took place last year and plans are already afoot for the second event, due to take place in 2011.

The organisers are currently looking for volunteers to help out at the festival, either by being part of the organisational team or by performing on the day.

I think it is an excellent idea to have an event to celebrate the achievements and contributions of older people in our community, a group who are often unfortunately forgotten or given less credit for their skills and talents than perhaps they are due.

If you would like more information about the event, contact Agefest on 0141 587 2487.

HOWWOOD VILLAGE FETE

I’m looking forward to Howwood Village Fete this coming Saturday. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate what’s good about the village – so let’s hope it’s a dry day!