News - 11/08/2009
Community Clean Up
A unique week-long, multi-agency approach, co-ordinated by River Clyde Homes, is being taken towards community improvement in the John Street Area of Greenock. It kicks off on Monday 10 August.
River Clyde Homes, Inverclyde Council, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, Invest The Community Health Partnership, Strathclyde Police and In-Work are joining forces for a week's worth of events and environmental improvements in John Street, Cartsburn Street, Arthur Street and St Lawrence Street in Greenock's East End.
This is the first of a series of community engagement initiatives in Inverclyde which aim to encourage pride and improvement in specific, localised areas. The multi-agency approach will help residents to carry out environmental and community safety improvements.
The week kicks off on Monday with a tenant-led inspection and the launch of a clean close competition, which will be judged on Friday by Provost Michael McCormick. Tuesday is home safety day with Strathclyde Police, Invest and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue will be carrying out home safety assessments and supplying and fitting smoke alarms and other home safety features. In the afternoon Inverclyde Council will be organising safe walking to school routes and bicycle safety checks.
The local environment gets a boost on Wednesday with tenants having the chance to deposit bulky household items for collection by Inverclyde Council and In-Work will be organising planting session with tubs to brighten up garden areas.
Young people are the focus on Thursday when Impact Arts will be holding an Up Close art and craft event and youngsters will have the chance to be fitted for and to receive a free cycle helmet.
On Friday The Community Health Partnership will be holding an information session on youth alcohol issues. The venue for this will be Inverclyde Council's CCTV vehicle which will be in the area all week and act as the base for Clean Sweep.
Karen Neary, chief executive of River Clyde Homes said: "This is a terrific initiative in the John Street area and shows what true partnership can achieve. Our consultations show that community safety and environmental issues are big concerns for tenants and I'm sure the clean up will make a real difference to the area. My hope is that it can be repeated in other areas across Inverclyde."
