FRANKLIN—Those residents who have extra junk in their yards — old tires, appliances, yard waste, building materials — are being given one day next month to clean up.

The city’s Amnesty Days program is set for Clean Up Week Monday, April 13, through Friday, April 17.

Residents will be given a temporary pardon to rid their properties of unwanted materials without paying a fee.

“The value of curb appeal is a high priority in the city,” Donald Goodwin, community development director, told a group gathered for breakfast Thursday morning to celebrate the city’s Adopt-A-Spot program, another beautification effort in the city. “It makes a big impression.”

Goodwin and members of the Beautification Commission honored Adopt-A-Spot participants with certificates for their efforts in keeping Franklin clean.

“Thank you for picking up trash,” Goodwin told them. “We report the amount of trash that is picked up and that helps us to apply for grants that allow us to buy trash cans and bags, litter-getters and do promotions like this one. Last year we got $6,300 in grant money.”

Adopt-A-Spot volunteers, often groups like Ruritan, garden or women’s clubs, get a designated roadside area to keep clean. The groups sign up for a two-year commitment and are required to clean the area at least four times a year.

Goodwin also pointed to another beautification effort taking place next month.

Clean Rivers Day is taking place in conjunction with Clean Up Week on Saturday, April 18. For that, Riverkeeper Jeff Turner is asking residents and groups to help clear areas that flow into the rivers, including the ditches that run in front of residences.

For more information on that program, call Turner at (757) 562-5173 or e-mail him at blknotpr@earthlink.net. Information also is available at www.blackwaternottoway.com.