A LOCAL community group are all set to clean up the shores of the River Leven this weekend with a litter-picking event.

Friends of Leven River Valley will be picking up rubbish along the east bank of the river near Dalreoch on Saturday, July 17 and on Sunday, July 18 the volunteers will be walking their way along Dalreoch to the A82 bridge.

The group are taking advantage of the lowered water levels to remove debris from the river and accompanying pathways, and are looking for extra volunteers to help them.

Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association are also taking part in the effort, as they aim to keep the area clean from rubbish.

Cula Murphy of Friends of Leven River Valley told the Reporter: "We have about 10 volunteers for tomorrow and 11 on the Sunday.

"Some of the people that cant make it this weeknd did a litter pick last weekend instead.

"It’s a shame the litter gets like this in the first place, but you can see other groups with their litter picks and you can see a difference when you go out there and see someone else looking after it.

"There’s a clean up over on the east bank and it makes such a difference when you’re walking through these areas or cycling. It is a shame sometimes what gets left.

"We’ve had supplies from the council and Sustrans to help

“There is social distancing still, but we are outdoors and it’s unlikely that we’ll be working close together, if people want to join us we’d be delighted.

"If we had extra people, we could split up the groups so we’re still within the guidelines.

"If people want to join us to help, that would be great. We do actually have a few children’s litterpickers, we welcome dogs and children but obviously their adults would have to take care of them.

"We will need people to do litter picks on the paths on both days and to help with lifting of the debris from the river so there will be plenty to do for all levels of ability.

"It would be lovely to have as many of the users - walkers, cyclists - of both paths, east and west, join us on either or even both days.

"If you are joining us on either or both days, please let us know at thelevenlitterpickers@outlook.com.

"In your email please say how many are in your group, if their are any children in the group and if you need equipment. Litter Picks, gloves and bag hoops will be supplied."

The group will be meeting on Saturday at 11am at the cark park on Bridge Street, G82 1NT, and on Sunday at overflow car park at Dalreoch Station at 1pm.