LITTER is a blight on our towns and villages, and although many heroic groups regularly clean up their communities with mass events, the pandemic has rubbished those large gatherings.

Yet rather than moan about the selfishness that shames the Peeblesshire countryside, locals are getting their hands dirty to keep the streets clean.

Simon Ritchie has launched a network for local volunteers who want to go out litter-picking in their own time, at their own pace, in a COVID-safe manner.

This month he joined an online Peebles Community Council meeting to tell members about the Facebook group he has launched – 'Keep Peebles Clean'.

He said: “Last March, I spent a lot of time at home and I noticed there was a lot of litter everywhere.

"Today, I was in the Quadrangle, and I noticed bags and packets were floating about in the wind at the War Memorial. 

“I’m not interested in just articulating the problem or moaning about it or apportioning blame – we all recognise there’s a problem and I want to act.

"There are a lot of groups and individuals in Peebles already tackling litter, but I know it’s not been possible over the last year because of the pandemic and group gatherings are to be avoided.

“But I also know there are a lot of people quietly getting on with it in their own time without any attention or support, and to my knowledge, there's no single group dedicated to litter picking year-round in Peebles, in the same way we have Bonnie Peebles Plus for flowerbeds.”

Mr Ritchie said he wants the eco volunteers to feel like their good work is valued.

“I would like to provide individuals with the kit that they need – litter grabbers, disposable gloves, high-vis vests, strong refuse bags.

"I want them to feel that their work is noticed and celebrated, as it should be, and I want to dignify their efforts with decent equipment."

Explaining that he has already contacted a major fast-food chain asking for funding, Mr Ritchie added: “I appreciate there’s a cost to providing this equipment and I’ve already approached McDonald’s.

"I don’t know if you’ve noticed the provenance of some of the litter around the town but some of it, especially in the lay-bys, is from McDonald's.

"On the basis that they are a multi-billion pound company that produces a lot of waste packaging, I’ve told them we are looking for about £200 to get started up to buy the kit.”

And if that funding bid isn’t successful, Mr Ritchie says he’s willing to crowdfund and put his hand in his own pocket.

The plan going forward is to make contact with Scottish Borders Council regarding the collection of the litter and to establish if insurance is required.

“Like most people, I hate bureaucracy with a passion," said Mr Ritchie.

"My strong preference is for an informal network of people, who are co-ordinated via WhatsApp or Facebook, and who do the work at their own risk and sign a disclaimer if necessary. 

“However, I acknowledge that the constitution of such a group is not my area of expertise and I don't want to fall foul of the law.

"My only ambition is that people that want to pick up litter can do it efficiently, effectively and safely.”

Chairman Les Turnbull said the community council would be delighted to support the project and would be willing to lend volunteers the appropriate equipment.

The Peebles Community Trust also gave its support, with chairman Lawrie Hayworth saying he would welcome a conversation around public liability insurance if it is required.

Meanwhile, the streets, grass verges and parks in Innerleithen are looking much better thanks to residents.

Earlier this month, members of the community carried out their second litter pick.

Dawn Derbyshire told the Peeblesshire News that the litter collected was “staggering”. She explained: “In all, about 33 large bags were filled with potential for much, much more.

"One picker retrieved 80 dumped plastic water bottles along a stretch of road which appear to be from one serial litterer as they were all the same brand and size.

“There are many individuals that do this kind of thing, quietly, all the time just whilst they are out walking, so a big 'shout out' to those too.

“With such enthusiasm to keep the beautiful place where we live clean and litter-free, we are hoping to grow the event and include other groups in a possible annual event.

"Visibility is key, as is education, so we would hope to involve the local children if possible but it's early days. Watch this space.”

As the war on litter wages on, residents in Peeblesshire aren’t just talking the talk, they’re walking the walk... with a litter picker and a bag in hand, determined to do their part to keep the communities they live in clean.