KILCULLEN: 16 May 2001: by Brian Byrne. The problem of littering related to school lunchtimes in Kilcullen has resulted in a number of initiatives by the Litter sub-committee of Kilcullen Community Action.
"We've approached students at the schools, and we have organised the provision of wheelie bins at the back of schools," says Bernadette Burke of the committee. "We've also asked businesses in the town to try and minimise the packaging used with their products."
Meanwhile, another anti-litter initiative was completed last night, when a sign commissioned by KCA was erected at the south entrance to the town. The 'Welcome to Kilcullen' sign, which exhorts visitors to keep the town tidy, was produced by local artist Cordelia von Clot.
A number of new anti-litter signs are also to be installed at places in the town particularly affected by litter. A poster competition in Kilcullen schools is planned for the autumn.
Meantime, Monday nights through the summer have been designated as 'clean-up' nights for Kilcullen. At one recent such evening, more than 80 people turned up, including children and adults.
It is planned that these volunteers will be included in a roster system for town clean-up, so that the work doesn't fall constantly on the same group of people.
A suggestion to 'adopt an area' is to be put to local businesses and schools and other community groups, by which they would take responsibility for the maintenance of particular areas or streets.