'Yes We Can' plant trees in Oldcastle says TT committee

Trees have been planted around the centre of Oldcasdtle in the last week by the local Tidy Towns Committee whose motto is, "Yes We Can", after its first year in existence. The new trees and a number of litter bins which were also provided in the town in recent weeks have been provided with help from Meath County Council"s Pride of Place team. In the Oldcastle Committee"s first year, they won a county Pride of Place Award and put in a fine performance in the National Tidy Towns competition. The committee held in first meeting in January last year when targeting litter blackspots, the Tidy Towns, Pride of Place and Anti-Litter League Competitions were top of the agenda. According to chairperson Ursula Farrelly, they faced many challenges, particularly litter control, derelict spots within the town and keeping approach roads, entrances and hedges looking well. 'With this in mind, we approached Meath County Council for much-needed extra bins and skips to clean up areas that had been neglected for years.' The group also raised funds from bag packing and church gate collections and were able to plant some flower pots, buy a pump which was erected on Stoney Road and remove moss and overgrowth from Cooney Bridge. 'We also entered Stoney Road for "The Harvest Mile" competition and picked up another award for best community effort in Meath. We would love if residents on the road would assist us by painting gates, repairing the stone walls and planting wild flowers on the bridge,' she said. The committee is delighted with the progress over the past year and is grateful to the enthusiastic and helpful Pride of Place team in the county council who provided bags, gloves and pickers and were there to offer advice when needed. They entered the national Tidy Towns Competition and achieved an overall mark of 193 out of a possible 400. 'It is a case of a bit done and a lot more to do - from removing noxious weeds in and around town centre to shrub and flower planting and painting.' The committee also made a submission to the Local Area Plan for Oldcastle to improve the heritage and conservation in the town and to address and clean-up derelict sites. Oldcastle"s efforts were rewarded when they were presented with a cheque for €250 by the council"s Pride of Place Team for their efforts. However, they need more practical help, according to Ms Farrelly. 'We need support from everyone if we are to succeed and make gains in 2009. In these recessionary times, why not respect and take pride in the place where we live?' she said. With that in mind, the Tidy Towns Committee are holding their annual meeting in Oldcastle Library at 7.15pm on Tuesday next (10th February) and they appeal for help and support to continue their endeavours.