Edinburgh’s Meadows trashed by youths meant to be eco-friendly – Helen Martin

If young people are so concerned about the environment, why do they leave the Meadows in such a disgraceful state, asks Helen Martin

Many young people used the Meadows responsibly, but the litter and human waste left by some was disgraceful(Picture: SNS)

AS a child visiting my great aunts in Edinburgh in the ‘50s, we spent lots of time in Princes Street Gardens and the Meadows.

In Princes Street we could buy a little bag of bread crumbs, nuts or something and feed pigeons who would sit on our shoulders and arms!

There and at the Meadows, there were areas to sit, play and have a wee picnic, and vast areas with metal signs saying ‘keep off the grass’.

No-one disobeyed because park wardens, dressed in almost military uniforms and black captain-style hats, strolled around keeping order.

There were drinking water fountains and I’m pretty sure there were toilets.

Who funded it all? I don’t know. The country changed so much between pre-domestic rates, poll tax and council tax, this is all history. And there were far fewer services and help for residents than in today’s world.

We know today’s city council has wrecked, but then ensured the restoration, of Princes Street Gardens. And they certainly can’t afford park wardens (who might get whacked or yelled at if they challenged public behaviour).

The mess left in the Meadows this summer after sunny days is disgusting. Peeing behind trees is inevitable if there are no public toilets – which can’t be provided with the pandemic virus still infecting.

The options are either to ban people from the Meadows, or let them have a subtle pee.

But the litter, bags, glass, plastic, tins, food, horrible poo and everything else they leave behind rather than bin is appalling.

They are mostly young people, angry about climate change and environmental damage. Why didn’t they clear up their own garbage?

It’s left to the council to clear up the rubbish.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Joy Yates

Editorial Director