Activists carry out Viewpark clean up

The area had been littered with broken glass and burned bins for some time and with it being hard reach for North Lanarkshire Council workers the group got to work.

SNP local group secretary Andrew Hughes said: “The issue was raised by one of our members, Garry Sexton, who regularly walks his dog in the area and had watched the mess build over the weeks and months.

“He happened to mention it at a meeting and as the discussion continued it wasn’t long before the activists were getting organised to get to work.

“We know this area is popular with younger people in the evenings, and being both local and once young, we can appreciate that to an extent, but it is well used by workers and families and was becoming an eyesore.”

Thorniewood councillor Steven Bonnar was happy to roll up his sleeves and get involved.

He said: “I was asked by the members if I could request the council to supply some shovels and brushes for the job, which they were happy to do, but I wouldn’t miss the opportunity on helping out myself so I got stuck in.

“We will have more days like this, they are good fun and we have a good laugh! It’s hard work too, but there is a feeling of accomplishment when you see the results, we can only do so much of course, but it all helps.

“The feedback from the public was great too, many people came out to talk to us and ask what was happening, those out walking the dogs gave us great comments and support, so we hope to do other projects in the good weather.

“The end results look great and it’s a credit to the team that they keep coming up with these ideas and projects.

“I have asked the wider community via social media to let me know if there is any areas within the Thorniewood ward that could be doing with some attention and the team will come and assist where it is safe to do so.”