Fife litter champion nominated for an award
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During lockdown, local man David Spence founded Fife Street Champions, a volunteer group aimed at local folk interested in cleaning up litter from our streets and beaches.
It began when David started picking up litter while out on his daily lockdown walk. It now has over 1,700 members, including wheelchair and mobility scooter users.
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Hide AdAll the litter picks are organised through its Facebook page, and last year the group collected over 10,000 bags of litter from across the region
There have been reports of increased fly tipping and anti-social behaviour since coronavirus restrictions were put in place, resulting in significant littering across the area.
Fife Street Champions have highlighted that areas with established litter picks have seen a decrease in littering, as residents gain a renewed sense of pride in their local environment.
The first-time Scottish Walking Awards are organised by Scotland’s leading walking charities, including Ramblers Scotland, Paths for All and Living Streets Scotland to showcase the people, organisations and communities supporting others to enjoy an active lifestyle.
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Hide AdWhen the opportunity to nominate came along, Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP Neale Hanvey was keen to highlight the herculean efforts of David.
He said: “The work of David and Fife Street Champions celebrates the best qualities of the Fife community.
"David saw a need to contribute to the Fife community both environmentally and in helping other folk by providing a positive and open way to combat loneliness and support positive mental health.
“I am delighted to recognise the efforts of David with a nomination to the first-ever Living Streets Scottish Walking Awards.”
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Hide AdDavid said: “My involvement in the Fife Street Champions FaceBook group is pretty much a retirement hobby for me, and I was delighted to hear I had been nominated, as it further increases awareness of our group.
“As regards the 10,000 plus bags of rubbish collected last year, the vast majority of the credit has to go to the group members, who go out every day and lift huge amounts of rubbish from the streets, parks, countryside and beaches of Fife."