Biggest ever clean-up gets going at South Queensferry

THE biggest ever clean-up of South Queensferry has begun.

Lothian and Borders Police and the city council have teamed up with local environmental action groups to tackle litter and graffiti problems this weekend.

This is the third year of the giant litter pick, which aims to involve people from all communities to clean up a certain area on a specific day.

Litter "hot spots" have already been identified and these will receive the most attention, with officers from the police and the council working alongside the community to improve the areas, while a specialist graffiti- removing team will also be in action.

Two nurseries and five schools are taking part, with every first year and second year pupil from Queensferry High School pitching in to lend a hand.

Last year, more than 1,300 people were involved in the event, and the initiative was awarded environmental campaign group CSV's Action Earth award for Best Project in Scotland in 2009.

Pc Iain Jamieson, who helped coordinate the event, said: "We are delighted that so many people are involved in the clean up, particularly young people from nurseries, primary and secondary schools."