Clean-up set to improve east of Capital

A HUGE clear-up is set to take place in the east of the city as part of a crackdown on graffiti, dog fouling and fly-tipping.

From Monday, a week-long series of events will focus on improving the local environment in Portobello, Craigmillar, Craigentinny and Duddingston, including community litter picking events and an initiative to clear up abandoned shopping trolleys.

Countryside rangers will lead walks promoting Craigmillar Country Park and children from the area have already exercised their green fingers by replanting the shrub beds at Piershill library. There will also be a series of recycling roadshows.

Councillor Robert Aldridge, city environment leader, said: "This is a full programme of events for the east of Edinburgh which will allow everyone to get involved and bring out the best in their area.

"This series of events will give people a chance to air their concerns about specific issues and to share their ideas on how to make their neighbourhood cleaner and greener.

"It also gives us a chance to reinforce our message that residents and visitors can do their bit to keep Edinburgh clean by disposing of their litter and waste in a responsible way."