Kids help with litter clean-up in Cloughmills

The project was organised by Ballymoney Borough Council's Environmental Warden Karen Mitchell in conjunction with Cloughmills Community Action Team's chairperson Paddy Frew and took place on Saturday 24 April.

Karen told the Times: "On the day 11 children turned up along with some members of the local youth group.

"Other adults giving up their free time to help out on the day were: Heather Lyttle - a member of the community action team - and Claire Martin.

"Nine bags of rubbish were collected from the car park beside the old Health Centre and from along Main Street.

"Ballymoney Borough Council would like to take this opportunity to thank all those participating and also Claire from Fish N Chip on Loughill Road who very kindly supplied the children with drinks after the event.

"The children were all enthuiastic and did a supurb job.

"They chalked around chewing gum they found, of which there were too many incidents to count .

"In relation to incidents of dog fouling a great improvement was noted.

"It is hoped that events like this will highlight the problems of littering and dog fouling.

"Ballymoney Borough Council and The Community Action Team are striving to create a cleaner healthier environment for all within the village.

"Both parties would ask everyone to do their bit to keep Cloghmills tidy by disposing of litter properly and also by cleaning up after their dogs.

"Please note if you are detected throwing your litter down or failing to clean up after your dog you will be issued with a 50.00 Fixed Penalty. Failure to pay this would result in the matter being referred to a Magistrates Court."