Game changer

Published on 31/08/2012 00:00

I read with interest the report on the 2011 Scottish Household Survey, which revealed the changing face of Scotland (30 August).

An important but little reported element of the study is the widely noted concerns highlighted by communities about issues such as dog fouling, rubbish, vandalism and graffiti – often niggles for members of the public that just never seem to go away.

These matters impact hugely on the wellbeing of neighbourhoods across a range of aspects, from the connection we feel to our community, to how others perceive our area, to the effects on people’s health, not to mention the millions they cost local authorities in clear-up operations each year.

Over the past few months, we have been working with a number of community-led projects to better understand how they work to tackle these problems in their neighbourhoods.

One of these projects is a Glasgow-based initiative, which has helped to transform an area which had previously seen large amounts of litter and fly-tipping. The power of this community group – supported by local public bodies and with the engagement of local businesses – has transformed the look of the area, and has lifted the spirits of the community who can now enjoy their surroundings.

We hear so often about how these environmental “incivilities” can give a neighbourhood a bad name, or be a consistent problem for communities.

It’s about time that we give these issues the priority they deserve, recognise that communities hold the power to help bring about long-term improvements – and give people the right support so that they can make the changes they seek.

Douglas White

Carnegie UK Trust

Pittencrieff Street

Dunfermline