A litter-pick event will take place this weekend in Dalkeith in a bid to restore pride in the town centre ahead of the latest regeneration project.
One Dalkeith are holding the community litter-pick on Saturday from 10am to 12.30pm, meeting outside Dalkeith Arts Centre. Gloves, high visibility vests and litter bags and pickers will be provided.
Susan Goldwyre of One Dalkeith said: “We are trying to instil a sense of community spirit. Whilst litter picking we will also be planting rosemary. It’s a robust herb which will survive.
“We are doing areas such as outside the library where people put their cigarette stubs.
“We are just trying to make our town centre look better.
“If everybody did a little bit and looked at the town a bit more critical then it will be better. This is the first of many events we have coming up. We plan to do more.”
In addition to the litter pick, a community cafe will be running in Dalkeith Arts Centre on Saturday, with tea, coffee, smoothies and activities including live music.
Susan has high hopes for the town centre’s future.
She said: “There should be a pride in the town centre running up to the forthcoming town centre regeneration project. I believe that this time it will happen.
“Money will be a problem as ever, but community involvement is important to make sure we get the right facilities.
“We want to make sure, for example, that the library isn’t lost. The arts centre and library should be the heart of your town.
“We are trying to work with the council on how we get the right balance.
“If we set up a trust through One Dalkeith then you build up that sense of responsibility and the desire to keep your town centre beautiful. That’s the plan.”
Source: Midlothian Advertiser
Supporting Scotland's Towns