STREETS Ahead projects are springing up all over the city.

Inspired by our community campaign, which brings neighbours together to improve their local areas, people from all over Glasgow are spring cleaning their streets, parks, gardens and town centres.

In Scotstoun, one of our campaign partners, Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) helped residents spruce up a community space blighted by litter and dog fouling.

Fed-up tenants joined GHA staff, primary school pupils and an assortment of community groups to clean up the streets around Kingsway Court, where 116 new homes are planned following extensive refurbishment of the tower blocks.

Despite the rain, dozens of people turned out to support the event.

Charlotte Boyce, one of the tenants keen to roll up her sleeves and get involved, said the clean-up was a result of a recent environmental survey carried out by GHA.

The area is a popular spot for local people to enjoy fresh air and green space, but it had been spoiled by litter and dog fouling.

Charlotte said: "We wanted clean up the area, especially for the people who will be moving into the new homes.

"The whole area around Kingsway is undergoing a major transformation, with the refurbished tower blocks and work progressing on the new homes.

"We want people to take pride in their community and we were delighted to welcome so many people along to the clean up."

Pupils from St Paul's Primary in Whiteinch took part alongside representatives from Clean Glasgow's Community Safety arm, West Glasgow Green Gym, Kingsway Court Health and Wellbeing Centre and Dumbarton Road Corridor Environment Trust.

GHA has carried out a range of environmental improvements in the area around Kingsway Court, including upgraded paths, new lighting, new fencing, resurfaced car park areas and new mono block around the multi-storeys.

A popular community garden already exists at the Kingsway Health and Wellbeing Centre, at the base of one of the blocks.

Neil Lovelock, project manager with Dumbarton Road Corridor Environment Trust, said: "We wanted to build on the work we have already done in the area, including previous clean-ups and our work to tackle dog-fouling.

"We wanted to do a bit of a deep-clean just before the good weather comes in.

"It also complemented the investment work carried out by GHA on the blocks at Kingsway and the surrounding area."

GHA chairman Gordon Sloan said: "Our tenants deserve to live in communities they can be proud of.

"Clean-ups like the one at Kingsway Court are really important in making neighbourhoods better places to live."

He added: "The Evening Times' Streets Ahead campaign has helped people all over Glasgow come together to improve their communities.

"We also hope the clean-up at Kingsway Court encourages other people - especially young people - to play their part and keep their areas clean and tidy."

Gordon explained that GHA is working closely with Clean Glasgow to crack down on dog owners who refuse to clean up after their pets.

The partnership, between GHA, Community Safety Glasgow and Glasgow City

Council, has been targeting people who let their dogs foul in the streets, backcourts and open spaces.

Enforcement officers can issue £40 fixed penalty fines to offenders and dog owners could be taken to court and the animal removed.

Housing officers work with tenants who have been fined to make sure they do not reoffend.

Gordon added:"Dog-fouling is irresponsible and we are reminding dog owners of their responsibilities in cleaning up after their pets."

A total of 116 new homes are being built by GHA on the site of two tower blocks in Kingsway Court which were demolished last year. The homes are expected to be completed around April next year.

GHA has also invested in a major upgrade of the four remaining blocks at 30, 40, 50 and 60 Kingsway Court, including installing overcladding and glass balconies plus new kitchens, windows, bathrooms and central heating.

New roofs were installed and tenants also benefit from a new 24-hour concierge station and CCTV.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Spring is coming which means it is the ideal time to dust off your gardening gloves, pick up your litter-picker and get going.

If you have a project in mind, which will bring your neighbours together and improve the community for everyone, tell us about it.

The Evening Times, in partnership with Glasgow Housing Association, City Charitable Trust, Scottish Fire and Rescue, Clean Glasgow and ScotRail, can help you kickstart a Streets Ahead project, or develop one already on the go.

Email streetsahead@heraldandtimes.co.uk for more information.