Two Glasgow community groups took the opportunity today, 14 August 2015, to show what a difference their projects are making to people who live and visit the places they care for.

Keep Scotland Beautiful, the charity for Scotland’s environment, was awarded funding from the ScottishPower Foundation, earlier this year to support the It’s Your Neighbourhood programme during 2015.

Heart of Scotstoun Community Gardeners, a group which has registered with It’s Your Neighbourhood for a second year, invited Keep Scotland Beautiful and ScottishPower Foundation representatives to a site visit and ‘pensioners lunch’ to meet the volunteers who have developed and landscaped the garden around the Community Centre, and also some of the people who benefit from this new outdoor community facility, which includes a poly-greenhouse and composting shed.
 

The delegation then visited Car-Brae Residents Association which represents a group of 34 households that share a lane to the rear of their houses. The members have transformed an area blighted by flytipping and anti-social behaviour into a shared space for all to enjoy over the past year.

It’s Your Neighbourhood is a programme designed to support community groups seeking to make environmental improvements. The funding awarded from the ScottishPower Foundation has allowed Keep Scotland Beautiful to provide almost 150 community groups with communications support and networking opportunities and a mentoring visit this year.  An award ceremony that will celebrate the success of all projects the length and breadth of the country is planned for October.

Derek Robertson, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful said: “It’s Your Neighbourhood projects benefit the community as a whole, as neglected sites become used again.  But, participation also encourages community members to keep active, meet new people of all ages and build civic pride.

Ann Loughrey, Trustee and Executive Officer at the ScottishPower Foundation said: “The Foundation is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and working positively with local communities.

“We work with truly inspirational organisations and the charitable work they do is admirable. We are delighted to be supporting Its Your Neighbourhood; a universally well received initiative that brings together local groups who are making a positive impact in their communities.”

Further information can be found at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/iyn.