Give them an inch to clean up the Mile

THE Royal Mile will be given a spring clean as council staff, residents and businesses join to spruce up the thoroughfare.

From today until Thursday, volunteers will be tackling a range of issues such as graffiti, litter and weeds, with the aim of making the High Street attractive for residents and visitors.

The move follows a workshop attended by 100 residents and business owners in January to debate the future of the street.

The spring clean was one of the actions at the top of the list.

Work will begin by moving the largest piece of graffiti, above the Mitre pub, followed by litter pick-ups and general cleaning in the Canongate and the removal of stickers that cover signposts and utility boxes.

Four teams will focus on different parts of the Royal Mile – Castlehill and the Lawnmarket, High Street to the North Bridge, High Street to St Mary’s Street and the Canongate.

The move is part of a city-wide spring clean initiative.

Councillor Tom Buchanan, economic development leader, said: “This week’s clean-up aims to improve the look and feel of the street in this world heritage site. This is not just a short-term examination of the street – it will be an ongoing project, with the aim of maintaining the street in the long run.”