Volunteers’ efforts to improve open spaces praised by council

The efforts of local groups and individuals in Midlothian to improve local streets, parks and other open spaces has been praised by Midlothian Council.

Council thanks

At a meeting of the full council held on Tuesday (June 29), councillors approved a motion put forward by Council Leader Derek Milligan and Cabinet Member John Hackett, thanking those who have volunteered for litter picks, gardening and public space maintenance, particularly during the current pandemic.

Huge contribution

“The efforts of these volunteers and local groups have made a huge contribution to our local communities in these difficult times,” said Councillor Milligan. “We are delighted with the way so many people have responded, giving of their own time to deliver environmental and other improvements which have been widely praised across Midlothian.”

Local support

The council also agreed to a recommendation that its officers should prepare a report on how the council currently supports these and similar local groups, with a view to improving that level of support in the future.

Litter bins

A proposal to provide better litter bins in public spaces was also welcomed by the council, with officers asked to report back as soon as possible on when and where this will be implemented.

Enforcement

“We have also noted reports from other councils who have been working with private enforcement companies to pursue and prosecute those who cause the litter problem in the first place,” added Councillor Milligan. “It has been suggested that this has allowed them to target dog fouling, litter, and fly-tipping at zero cost to the councils concerned, and has the potential to provide more capacity to our hard-pressed environmental health team, allowing them to concentrate on specialist public health and safety duties.

Council report

“The council has now agreed that we should look at whether or not a similar arrangement could be considered for Midlothian, and our officers have been asked to report back on this to the next council meeting after the summer break.”