Locals sound rallying call to make Elgin shine
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A PUBLIC meeting will take place in Elgin over the issue of grass cutting.
And a rallying cry has been sounded for as many people as possible to give up a little time to return Elgin to its best.
Businessman Sandy Reid and Elgin Community Council have joined forces to arrange the gathering and are calling for community-minded residents and local businesses to come along.
It comes after Moray Council axed grass cutting across the area as part of February's swingeing budget cuts.
Parks and other green spaces have since been overrun and now locals want to join forces to make Elgin beautiful again with a general tidy-up.
Mr Reid, of SLR Auto Repairs, said an organised community approach is needed.
He said: "The meeting is for anyone who wants to help, from grass cutting to picking up litter. We don't want to bash the council, they can only work with what they've got.
"There simply is a serious lack of money so it will be spent on priorities like social care, education, the elderly, roads maintenance and the other things required.
"Let's stop moaning and do something about it. We want to try and get a few businesses together and local people to see if we can get the place tidied up.
"It is our community and we want to try and get a bit of community-spirit going to put the pride back in Elgin.
"Smaller villages have been doing this for years. If Elgin was to come together, I'm sure it wouldn't take any time to get the place looking immaculate."
The meeting takes place on Wednesday, August 7 at the Community Centre from 7pm and everyone is welcome.
The issue came into sharp focus last week after a dog nicked a main artery on a broken bottle which was concealed in the grass at Doocot Park.
Swift action from the animal's owner means the dog is now on the mend.
In July, Elgin councillors announced grass cutting would soon be restored at the Doocot Park, as well as at Seafield and on a parcel of land at the west end of Elgin High Street, with alternative funding agreed from the Common Good Fund. However, other areas throughout the community remain overgrown.
Meanwhile, nearby Lhanbryde business Threaplands Garden Centre is playing a part by offering to maintain a grass area for the rest of the season.
Director Ben Laing, who lives in Elgin, is giving up his spare time to carry out the work after a poll on the business's Facebook page called for suggestions in the Lhanbryde or Elgin areas.
That is due to get underway early next week.
