Children from Boghall’s Fun Friday Club had their first clean up of the season on Friday, April 26.
Children, staff and volunteers took to the streets, fields and parks in the area after noticing excess litter and wanting to participate in the Clean Up Scotland campaign initiated by charity Keep Scotland Beautiful.
The equipment and information was provided by Keep Scotland Beautiful and West Lothian Council.
During the afternoon when children were asked what they thought of the clean up, Morgan (9) said: “I’m glad we are cleaning up, but people should just put their litter in the bin. I put mine in my pocket when there is no bin.”
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Leial, one of the volunteers leading the clean-up, added: “Littering seems to be a problem in the area – it puts wildlife and often people in danger, and it just generally looks dirty.
“Scotland is a beautiful country and we should keep it that way.
“It’s up to each one of us to do so!
“We hope that by getting children involved, a sense of pride will be instilled and they will strive to keep it clean, as well as educate others to do the same.”
The afternoon was a success with many children having learned and understood more about the impact that littering can have on the environment.
The event was enjoyed by everyone and another clean up has already been requested by the children.
Children learned litter isn’t only bigger items like take away cups, cans and bags, but often smaller and more dangerous ones such as chewing gum, little sweet packets, popped balloons, loom bands, cigarette butts and broken glass.
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These can be picked up by birds and wildlife and be life-threatening.
The amount of glass, especially in the parks, was a shock as this puts our own children in danger.
The group did not tackle the dog waste due to health reasons, but this was addressed and discussed with the children. However the club said it was alarming to see the amount
of dog waste around Boghall.
The Boghall Drop in Centre Activity Worker Robert said: “We encourage everyone to help contribute to a cleaner Scotland by picking up even one item of litter a day.
“When doing so however, be sure to keep safe and wash your hands afterwards.”
Should you be interested in joining a community clean up event or have any other ideas to make a difference in Boghall and surrounding areas, please e-mailk info@bdic.org.uk.BIG The Friday Fun Club is funded by Lottery Scotland and is a free after school club filled with planned activities every Friday for the children in the community and run by Boghall Drop in Centre.
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