Windygoul Wombles helping to clean up area

During lockdown and because of the restrictions in place, people have been staying closer to home and taking more opportunities to explore their locality,, something recognised by the group’s founder, Alison Brown.

When out and about with husband Craig and son Ethan last year, she noticed how one area in particular was covered in litter.

She said: “When the kids were out and about more I saw how bad the park behind Windygoul Primary School was and decided that I had to get a bag and tidy it up.

“I’m a person who doesn’t complain and just gets on with it but I thought that I better do something, and do it for other people, too.

“We are living in a world where people are buying takeaway stuff more and spending more time outside.

“About 95 per cent of people are really responsible but there is that five per cent who continue to litter, and rubbish can also be blown into the sea.”

Some of the Windygoul Wombles members taking part in a litter pick and the end of last year

Alison, who lives on Lawson Way but was born in Northern Ireland, set up a Facebook group called Windygoul Wombles, and then held her first socially distanced event at the end of November.

The page now has more than 100 members of all ages, with about 20-30 people attending each event.

She also contacted and took inspiration from the Musselburgh street clean group.

Ward councillor Gordon Mackett has been a big supporter of the Tranent group, allowing them to borrow litter pickers and a large dustpan and brush for clear up broken glass, and have access to pink bin bags. When placed next to a bin, the pink bags indicate to council staff that someone has taken part in a litter pick and the rubbish needs disposed.

Due to the current pandemic, all those who attend an event are asked to remain socially distanced and/or with their household group, wear gloves, and wear clothing suitable for the weather on the day.

All the pickers and shared equipment used are cleaned thoroughly using antibacterial spray prior to each use.

While the group started near Windygoul Primary School, which also provided the group with litter pickers, Alison decided to start covering other parts of the town.

All of the equipment is cleaned and sanitised before each use and displayed as shown in the image above for people to collect it

She hopes that, when restrictions allow educational activities and socialising among members, the group will be able to grow and take part in more litter-picking events.

And some members have been taking matters into their own hands and picking up litter in their own time.

Alison said: “Lots of people have been chatting to us when we have been out on litter picks and most of the comments we have received have been positive. People are really enjoying it.

“And thanks to the litter picks, people are spending a lot of time outdoors and socialising, while still staying safe of course.”

Thanks to their efforts, Alison is already beginning to see a difference.

She added: “Hopefully people will start taking more pride in their local area again. I care about where I live and others should too. Some parts of East Lothian are very pretty.”

For more information, visit facebook.com/groups/windygoulwombles