A MORAY GROUP that has dedicated itself to clearing streets and beauty spots throughout the region of litter has been recognised at the Scottish Parliament.
The Moray Litter Prevention Forum was formed after a summit meeting on the issue was called by Moray MSP Richard Lochhead in September.
Through the Forum it is hoped to create a more ‘joined-up’ approach to tackling litter in Moray – and to that end the Forum, which is chaired by Steve Christie, has invited community councils, litter picking groups and environmental agencies to become a part of the task force.
Mr Christie hopes that will help create a closer working relationship between volunteers and agencies, as well as building on a more organised approach to an issue that has caused perennial problems for many communities.
Now Mr Lochhead has called on the Scottish Parliament to recognise the efforts of the initiative, which was formed on the back of two key meetings in Lhanbryde.
The MSP said: “It was great to hear about the progress the Moray Litter Prevention Forum has taken since the Litter Summit.
“Although it is a small minority who continue to litter our streets and dump their rubbish by roadsides or on our beautiful beaches, litter has an impact on everyone and tarnishes many of Moray’s tourism hotspots.
“The work of many litter picking groups across Moray is invaluable and highly appreciated, and it is great news that the forum will be reinforcing their efforts.
“I trust Steve Christie will provide the group with excellent leadership, having been a key member of the Strategic Partnership for Improving the City of Elgin (SPICE) and a vital voice in raising the issue of litter.
“I was more than happy to table a motion congratulating the group and I look forward to seeing how things progress.”
Mr Christie said las night: “I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to chair this new group.
“We are still in the early stages of getting started but with such a strong and enthusiastic membership and the assistance from other agencies such as Keep Scotland Beautiful, SEPA and Moray Council I foresee a clean future for Moray.”
The new Forum will be welcomed by such as Jasmine Owen, the nine-year-old who started her own crusade against litter (reported by insideMoray in October).