A GROUP of volunteers have been out and about cleaning up the Wee County in their spare time this month.

A litter picking event was organised by members of Women for Independence Clackmannanshire two weekends ago – and another event has already been planned for this weekend.

Dollar's Fiona McGregor, 60, has been involved in the initiative and told the Advertiser more about it.

She said: "We had three teams, out as pairs so social distancing could be observed.

"We had two in Tullibody, another team of two families on the stretch of cycle track between Tilly and Alva, and then another team that I was on – and we did the statue outside Alloa train station."

Fiona's team moved to an area near Lornshill Academy after they had taken care of the train station, and she said: "This weekend coming, we're planning to do Gartmorn Dam."

When asked what motivated everyone to get involved in a litter pick, she claimed there were two reasons.

Firstly, she said: "It's just really enjoyable, because you're out in the fresh air, you're doing something useful, and it's safe as well.

"It's one of the activities you can do without feeling you're putting yourself or anyone else at risk."

Secondly, she pointed to the efforts of Sauchie's Arron Uytendhal.

As the Advertiser previously reported, Arron has been out and about in the community throughout the lockdown months with his litter picker and cart – cleaning up his local area.

Fiona said: "I got in touch with him and he was really encouraging.

"He was part of what gave us the idea.

"His example was an inspiration for us, he was really encouraging and gave us lots of suggestions."

Fiona also singled out Clackmannanshire Council for praise, as it provided equipment to those involved in the litter pick, and arranged for the waste – which filled more than a dozen bins bags – to be picked up.

Going forward, she said there are plans for more litter picks throughout October and November, though that will depend on the weather.

And though they are led by members of Women for Independence Clackmannanshire, these future events will be open to anyone.

For more information, visit Women for Independence Clackmannanshire's Facebook page.