This time the focus will be on council-owned land on roads and verges in Larkhall, Stonehouse, East Kilbride, and Clydesdale. 

The first of four* weekend clean-ups in Larkhall and Stonehouse will take place this Saturday (March 5) on the A71 Ayr Road between Canderside Toll and the Garrion Bridge. 

A week-long programme in and around East Kilbride then follows from Monday:

• Monday 7 - A726 Torrance Roundabout to Shawton Road Junction, near Chapelton 
• Tuesday 8 - Auldhouse Road, Shields Road, Burnhouse Road 
• Wednesday 9 - Peel Road (junction with Haymill Road) to Carmunnock Bypass (roundabout at Busby Road) 
• Thursday 10 - Markethill Road and Cairnmuir Road
• Friday 11 – Stoneymeadow Road and Flemington Road 

To ensure the safety of the workforce, each road will be reduced to one lane at the sections being worked on between 9am and 3pm daily. However, drivers should be prepared for potential delays or to consider alternative routes.

Already this year, more than 250 bin bags containing 1.2 tonnes of litter have been collected during a similar clean of rural roads around Hamilton.

This included hundreds of plastic bottles and cans that could have been recycled through the household recycling service or disposed of in litter bins across South Lanarkshire. 

Councillor John Anderson, Chair of the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee said: “Sadly, many of the habits that lead to litter-strewn roads are ingrained, and we take our role in changing that seriously, through a combination of education, awareness-raising, and enforcement. 

“Nonetheless, we also have a duty to make sure that the communities in which we live are safe, clean, and welcoming. So, while we condemn the actions of an irresponsible few wholeheartedly, we have to take this action to improve the environment. 

“Make no mistake, however, every penny and hour spent on this project is money and time lost to the council and its communities, all because a minority don’t think the rules apply to them. 

“I want to say sorry to all of those who might be inconvenienced by the restrictions caused during the forthcoming work and thank them in advance for their patience for what should be an unnecessary task.” 

Penalties for those caught dropping litter in public places start from £80, while the illegal dumping of waste carries fines from £200, as well as the potential for criminal charges and even a prison sentence for the worst offenders. 

*Keep an eye on the View and our Twitter and Facebook pages for full details of this month's remaining weekend works in Larkhall and Stonehouse, and upcoming focus on the Clydesdale area.