Reward scheme for keeping communities clean
Over 50 tickets for Kilmarnock FC matches have been given out as a token of thanks to members of the community who have been doing their bit to keep their local area clean.
The ‘reward’ scheme came about after Council enforcement officers noticed an increase in people being more responsible with their dog waste and litter in their communities and wanted a community focused scheme to recognise this. Officers decided to contact Kilmarnock FC to suggest working in partnership on a scheme and the club was delighted to get involved, offering to provide free home match vouchers for enforcement officers to give out to anyone spotted cleaning up litter or dog waste. The recipient can exchange the voucher for two adult and two child tickets to a match in the family stand.
Councillor Clare Maitland said: “This scheme is a real thank you to people who pick up their dog waste even in the dark, in the driving wind and rain, when it would be easier just to walk on. And to those who keep their communities clean, green and vibrant by picking up litter from our streets and green spaces.
“Our enforcement officers have worked hard since 2007 on awareness and education campaigns mixed with enforcement, which has led to a gradual change in behaviour. The officers are active in our communities as a force for good, to support the good work that residents do, especially now on the back of Community Led Action Plans. I’m delighted that the scheme has been such a success and had such a good response from the public.”
Kilmarnock FC Director Cathy Jamieson said: “The club was delighted to be involved along with East Ayrshire Council, Kilmarnock Community Sports Trust, The Killie Trust and the KFC Supporters’ Association in trying to benefit the local environment by ensuring that we get members of the community to clean up litter.
“As a club, we want to think about what more can we do to in terms of recycling and making sure we are energy efficient while contributing to the whole environmental agenda, which is very much in the news just now.”
ends