Shawlands residents come together to clear back lane rubbish

Bright and early on Saturday morning, the group of neighbours met to collect an astonishing seven and a half tonnes of rubbish from lanes in and around the Afton Street, Deanston Drive and Tantallon Road areas of Shawlands after fears over health and safety threats arose.

Pictured: The 100 Minute Team (Image: newsquest)

Explaining their motivation Euan Finlayson, a member of the group and local resident of over 30 years, said: “This is the third time that we’ve cleaned the lanes.

“There are around 10 to 15 of us who live in the surrounding flats who were inspired by similar groups on social media.

“After the first time, someone figured out it had taken us 100 minutes to finish the clear-up and that’s how we got our name.

“We now have a WhatsApp group where we can all communicate called the same thing.

“It’s a bit of fun and we’re hoping that by getting the word out other people might want to get involved.”

While the group had hoped to transform the back lane areas following an initial clearout, covid lockdowns put a halt to their plans which included installing planters and revamping the space for social gatherings.

Unfortunately, in recent months, the area had once more begun to fill up with unwanted bulk items prompting another call to arms for the team.

Euan explained: “Because the lanes are secured, it’s the regular binmen who have access, not the bulk uplift guys.

“Our liaison with Glasgow City Council is great and it came to the point where the refuse team were, quite rightly, concerned about their health and safety while trying to access the bin sheds.

“We decided that enough was enough and we had to get things sorted for them.”

Before and after photos show the extent of the group’s incredible efforts with the lanes now completely cleared to allow for safe access.

Far from just a tidy-up operation, however, Euan says that the 100 Minute Club has developed to become a true celebration of community spirit and hopes that their work might inspire others to follow their example.

He said: “I’ve lived in Shawlands for a long time so I know the people in my block of flats, but maybe didn’t know who lived next door or in other closes.

“This has really brought us all together and there’s a great camaraderie amongst the team.

“Some people own their property and others rent but we’ve all got one thing in common and that is Shawlands is our 'bit'.

“It’s an exciting and vibrant community and we want to make our lanes an asset to the area rather than something you look upon and frown at as you pass.”