Civic-minded locals in Arbroath are working to restore the town’s pride following a recent spree of vandalism.
Volunteer groups working together have installed planters in the precinct to brighten up the town and win back tourists.
The partnership working is showing a different side to the town after graffiti vandals caused thousands of pounds-worth of damage at Arbroath Abbey.
A wood working group at Praxis, headed up by Les Cairnie, constructed the planters with funds obtained from the Angus Environmental Trust.
Arbroath In Bloom arranged for them to be situated at the entrance to Abbeygate to brighten up the seating area.
Jean Stewart from the group said: “The volunteer groups in and around Arbroath all do it with the same thought – civic pride.
”Tourism is the one constant factor and if we cannot be bothered to clean up our environment then tourists will soon let us know what they think by side stepping our area and heading for more green and pleasant spaces.
“Visitors from around the world are looking for the purple heather and clean spaces they associate with our country.
“Quite a few of these tourists are amazed at the litter problem we have and are making it known how disappointed they are when they see the state of some areas in our towns.”
She said members of the community had been working well together over the past couple of years, including shopkeepers taking care of the pavements and making the streets more appealing to passers-by.
“We still have to work hard to keep getting the message out there and persuade more of the community to volunteer in one capacity or another,” she added,
“The days of saying ‘it’s the council’s job’ are well and truly over so we the community have to step up and take more responsibility.”
The Arbroath Trefoil Guild headed by Evelyn Young donated the red geraniums and the gold marigolds to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the guild in the UK.
The flowers were grown in a polytunnel donated to Arbroath In Bloom by Peter Stirling, while the equipment has been funded by the NHS Community Innovation Fund.
Arbroath East and Lunan Independent councillor Lois Speed said: “This has been a real team effort and is a shining example of community and partnership working.
“Individual and group efforts like this will hopefully continue to get the recognition, respect and thanks from everyone that they thoroughly deserve.
“Praise must also go to everyone who was involved in the making and decorating of the planters which are now in place along Arbroath High Street.
“It’s these finishing touches that cheer the place up.
“I think people are starting to realise and appreciate that the council don’t have the resources to do everything but are still able to help support in many ways and are being much more creative in the way they do things.”
