A new community group in Dumfries and Galloway has recently been established with the aim of keeping the area tidy through a litter pick drive. The group, known as Keeping D&G Tidy, was founded by Maggie Holdsworth, who dedicates many hours each week to clearing litter along the A75 near Dumfries. Supported by The People’s Project, the group seeks to unite individuals interested in maintaining the region’s cleanliness by addressing littering hotspots.
Maggie Holdsworth, a finalist for the volunteer of the year award from Dumfries and Galloway Life, expressed her motivation for creating the group. She highlighted the importance of identifying areas in need of litter collection, connecting with like-minded individuals, and enjoying the satisfaction of transforming a litter-strewn location into a clean space. Emphasising the positive impact of litter picking, Maggie shared her belief that reducing litter in an area can discourage further accumulation.
The group’s objectives include acknowledging existing efforts in litter collection, supporting individuals keen on participating in clean-up activities, and developing a map to monitor litter hotspots and clean-up operations. This initiative comes at a crucial time as Dumfries and Galloway Council considers removing bins along the A75 as part of budget deliberations. Mark Jardine from The People’s Project highlighted the collective responsibility in fostering a culture where littering is not tolerated, encouraging active participation from residents to maintain the region’s beauty.
Those interested in joining Keeping D&G Tidy can visit their Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/keepingdgtidy. The group’s collaborative approach and focus on community engagement aim to create a cleaner and more environmentally-friendly environment for all in Dumfries and Galloway.