Govanhill Spring Clean: ‘We Are the Custodians of Our Community’
On Saturday 27 April a group of community organisations, local businesses and volunteers took to the streets of Govanhill for an organised clean-up. The Govanhill Spring Clean was the first of many community-led litter-picks in the area. Their message: ‘we are the custodians of our own community.’
Words by Devon McCole | Photos by Ian McLellan
More than 100 people gathered at the Al-Farooq Community and Education Centre early on Saturday morning for the Govanhill Spring Clean. It was suchh a turn-out that the organisers ran short of litter-pickers. But thankfully more than a few people brought their own.
A community-led initiative, the clean-up was a collaboration between local residents and organisations including Greater Govanhill, Govanhill Housing Association, Al-Farooq Community Centre and charities like Surfers Against Sewage
Co-organiser of the litter pick, Yousuf Faisal, said: “We are the custodians of our own communities and we want to protect our environment. A big part of the litter pick also is to prevent plastics and waste going into our rivers and ensure our neighbourhood stays clean as well.”
As to why they were there, one resident, Wendy, told Greater Govanhill: “I live on Dixon Avenue. I saw this was happening and I thought it was important to get involved. I think too often we just moan about the streets being dirty and actually I wanted to participate and encourage my child and his friend to take part.”
The event took place on April 27, 2024, starting at 10:30 am at the Al-Farooq Education and Community Centre on Dixon Avenue in Govanhill, Glasgow12. The day began with a briefing, followed by teams heading out for a litter-pick. Participants then reconvened at the Al-Farooq Community Centre for a meal and refreshments at 12:15 pm, with food kindly being provided by MILK Café, Transylvania Coffee & Shop and Crema Coffee.
We spent no more than a few hours outside dawning high-vis overcoats, gloved-up and armed with litter-pickers. The teams picked along their marked routes, filling black bags and chatting along the way. The bags were then left at the designated collection zones marked on their maps by a red dot, ready for pick-up.
“Litter picking may not address the systemic issues that cause the build up of litter in our communities…but it is an opportunity to bring folk together who care about making a difference. We’re hoping that this will provide a chance not only make an immediate improvement to our local environment, but also build momentum to tackle some of the bigger issues we face.”
Volunteer and co-organiser, Karen Palmer, said: “A few of us began to do litter picks on Saturday mornings. We weren’t really getting anywhere, the rubbish would build back up again come the next week, so wanted to try do something bigger to try and generate more awareness.”
Ahead of the community clean-up Greater Govanhill said: “Litter picking may not address the systemic issues that cause the build up of litter in our communities, or underfunding of our cleansing services, but it is an opportunity to bring folk together who care about making a difference. We’re hoping that this will provide a chance not only make an immediate improvement to our local environment, but also build momentum to tackle some of the bigger issues we face.”
This event will expand to become a monthly clean-up. Dates are still TBC but talks on the next one are on-going. To be kept informed sign up here.
