The council has provided grants to support groups carrying out litter picks and other improvement activities, as part of its RecoverNL initiative.

Provost Kenneth Duffy visited three communities to thank residents for their efforts.

St Andrews United Free Church in Bellshill used the grant for litter picking equipment and ran events to clean the area around the churchyard and Bellshill Cross. A gardening group has also been set up to maintain and develop the churchyard for more people to use and enjoy.

Carnbroe Community Action for Residents bought litter picking equipment and a mower to maintain grass and open spaces around the area. Members are also running events to bring local residents together and reinstating a former community garden for everyone to use.

Kilsyth Environmental Group and Kilsyth Community Council bought equipment and plants to improve the environment around the town, including Burngreen Park.

“The groups in Bellshill, Carnbroe and Kilsyth are among 121 community groups who received grants from the council as part of our RecoverNL initiative to address local issues after the Covid pandemic,” Provost Duffy explained.

“Their efforts have made a real difference to the towns, making them area cleaner, safer and more attractive for residents and businesses. They have also helped raise awareness of reducing littering in the first place, and generated a sense of community pride. Well done to everyone involved.”