A Scottish daily newspaper is launching an ambitious bid to transform its city by recruiting a network of ‘street champions.’
The Glasgow-based Evening Times wants to find volunteers in every street to take a lead in improving their neighbourhood.
Its Streets Ahead campaign will see the paper working with key partners including Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Housing Association to improve the appearance of the city through the creation of projects such as community gardens, clean-ups and installing window boxes.
Through the campaign organisations such as scout groups will be invited to adopt a city street with the aim of tackling its specific needs.
Editor Tony Carlin said: “We want to do all we can to improve our great city. All the partners believe that one good citizen can make a positive difference to their own street and community… that one good citizen on every street can change an entire city for the better. And the partners are putting their money, their staff, their resources and their expertise behind it.
“On the first day of launch we had our first application for help from a group wanting to create a community garden in the East End. This is exactly the type of project we aim to support to the hilt.”
“One street might want a wall mural while another wants a garden, one might want graffiti removed or a clean-up organised while another may want window boxes or good neighbour projects for the vulnerable.
“We want our champions, who can be individuals or organisations, to tell us what they want and for them to let us help them meet their goal.”
He would not reveal the cost of the campaign but said it was a six figure sum.
It is hoped the projects will provide resources and financial support for specific community improvement projects, as well as existing individuals and organisations who already perform such work.
It also aims to attract and encourage new Street Champions to get involved in improving the city.