LITTER-PICKERS have been out in force to clean up Renfrewshire.

The Community Action for Erskine team organised a two-minute clean-up to help keep the area looking spick and span.

Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP Gavin Newlands was among those who went along to lend a hand.

And the SNP man was also a willing volunteer at a separate clean-up operation on the banks of the White Cart River in Renfrew.

He was joined by Renfrew councillor John Shaw and a determined team of helpers who, despite having to contend with pouring rain, managed to fill 10 bags of rubbish.

Three abandoned shopping trolleys, motorcycle parts and a drum from a washing machine were among the items removed.

Councillor Shaw said he was pleased with the efforts being made by local people to try to improve their community.

He added: “Thanks go to Kristina Semple at Renfrew White Cart River Bank Tidy for organising the litter-pick, which was very productive, despite the fact it was a wet morning.

“We collected 10 bags of rubbish, rescued three shopping trolleys from a watery grave and removed a washing machine drum and various bits of a burnt-out motorbike.

“There is still lots to do, though, so please keep an eye on the Facebook page to see when the litter-pickers are out again.”

Kristina also heaped praise on those who took part in the Renfrew event.

She said: “We are on our way to making the White Cart riverbank a beautiful, natural place for everyone to be.

“It was so wonderful to have Councillor John Shaw and our MP Gavin Newlands, as well as friends and family, out helping.

“These guys really care.”

The group’s next litter-pick is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 29.

Meanwhile, Councillor Cathy McEwan, convener of Renfrewshire’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, congratulated the Community Action for Erskine team on its success.

She said: “I was delighted to see Community Action for Erskine had organised a two-minute clean-up in conjunction with our Team Up to Clean Up campaign.

“This is exactly the type of activity we are looking to encourage through the campaign and it is fantastic to see the local community coming together to make a real difference to Renfrewshire’s environment.”

Cllr McEwan added: “We are investing significantly in our road-sweeping, gully-cleaning, litter-picking and roads infrastructure to ensure that we are doing all we can as a council.

“This support from the community will help us achieve our aims.

“We want to ensure that this campaign is a partnership approach between the council and the community and show that, together, we can make Renfrewshire a more attractive place to live, work, visit and invest in.”