Step Up For Streets Ahead

Each month, we feature an inspiring individual who is working wonders in his or her community.

Do you know someone who has stepped up to solve a local problem or to create something special?

Email ann.fotheringham@heraldandtimes.co.uk with the details. This month, we catch up with Eric Flack, 78, from Drumchapel, who is one of Glasgow City Council’s Neighbourhood Improvement Volunteers (NIVs).

Day job:

I am a retired civil servant.

Why did you decide to become a NIV?

I’ve been helping to run Drumchapel Tennis Club for more than 50 years and it was a need to keep the area next to the courts clean that first got me into volunteering. It’s a big corner site, and it’s close to several chip shops and takeaways, so the litter can become a problem.

We are also close to the station, so lots of people walk by. I signed up in 2008, one of the first 50 NIVs in the city.

What does your role involve?

Cleaning up around Drumchapel Tennis Club, Garscadden Road, Firdon Crescent and Golf Drive. I spend about four hours per month tidying up – sometimes more. We also carry out annual community clean up events.

Why is it important to step up?

To keep your local area clean and tidy. No-one else is going to do it for you.

Who inspires you?

My father, and my grandfather before him, who got me into tennis.

I’m proud of the club – we now have five gents’ teams and two for the ladies, and it’s going very well. I’m not playing and coaching so much at the moment as I’m recovering from a heart attack, surgery and the flu! I’m looking forward to getting back.

Best piece of advice ever given?

If a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing it yourself!

Worst piece of advice ever given?

Someone once told me, ‘it’s someone else’s job to pick up this litter’. When I asked who, that person said – ‘dinnae ken.’

Favourite spot in Glasgow and why?

I love Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. And of course, the tennis club, which is where I spend most of my time.

Describe yourself in three words:

Grumpy old git.