People's Project calls for residents to make a clean sweep in Dumfries

Oct 31 2008 by Craig Robertson, Dumfries Standard Friday

SUNDAY might be a day of rest ... but a call has gone out for Doonhamers to get cleaning their town.

It’s the latest People’s Project bid to rid the streets of Dumfries of litter.

Dumfries businessman Mark Jardine has come up with the idea of a Sunday Sweep.

That would see as many people as possible spare some time on a Sunday to pick up litter.

And it starts this Sunday.

The idea has been floated to local churches but Mark said everyone must get involved.

“The Sunday Sweep will hopefully become as regular as going to church, picking up the Sunday papers or getting your shopping at Tesco,” he said.

“Every Sunday, from November 2, while walking to church, for the paper, taking the dog out or just for a stroll, take a bag with you and pick up any litter you see.

“Even if we only pick up one piece of litter, we would transform the town, and the region.

“The Sunday Sweep involves the minimum of effort for the maximum return, and hopefully will bring back community spirit.”

Meanwhile, Mr Jardine is set to put on his dancing shoes in a major charity event that has swept people of their feet.

The People’s Project mastermind is taking part in the towns own cabaret extravaganza.

Strictly the last Cabaret 2009 is set to kick off in January.

The Strictly Come Dancing inspired event has been organised by shop owner Michael Pattie.

He said: “Mark Jardine has came on board with the People’s Project and will be one of the teams taking part in the Strictly Cabaret charity event next year. We are delighted to have Mark on board and hopefully we will raise a lot of money not only for the People’s Project but also for the other eight charity groups taking part.”