Clean sweep as retailers join forces with city centre dirt-busters

A complete overhaul of Leeds city centre cleansing to more intensely target the busiest areas and keep the streets smart has gained the support of local retailers.

Leeds City Council’s city centre street cleansing squad was reorganised several months ago and provides a round-the-clock service that focuses more intensely on the areas that need it most and at the key times.

And their work is paying dividends as retailers are noticing the high standards of cleanliness in busy footfall areas. The council is also working with businesses to see what they can do to play their part to keep the environment clean, such as tackling the issue of trade waste left for collection so it is out for as short a time as possible.

David Laycock, chair of the Leeds Retail Association and centre director of the new Trinity Leeds development said:
“I think the cleansing service in the city centre is very good- I’m very impressed with the council’s commitment to raising standards. It’s an excellent idea to engage with the business community so they make a contribution and it becomes a partnership.

“We’re really behind helping the council’s ambition for Leeds to be the UK’s best city and with Trinity Leeds and the arena due to open in 2013 it’s our chance to celebrate and really make the city shine.”

Key to the new way of working for the city centre cleansing team is a priority system where the busiest areas such as Briggate receive a much more intense focus so litter is never allowed to build up.

Teams also begin cleaning the main city centre streets much earlier to clear litter left behind from night-time visitors in time for retail deliveries and day-time shoppers. They are also staggering lunch breaks so that litter bins are constantly emptied, especially at the busiest times.

Newer ways of working are also being examined, such as providing mechanical sweepers through the day rather than just during the night and new equipment is being trialled.

Councillor Mark Dobson, executive member for environmental services at Leeds City Council, said:
“This is a fantastic example of the council focusing its work intelligently where it is most needed. We aren’t in a position to put any more cash into the service but we are making the best of our existing resources.

“I’m delighted at the feedback from David and am very encouraged by the willingness of retailers to work with us to keep the city as clean as it can be. I’m also very pleased at the enthusiasm and efforts of our cleansing team in making our new systems work.”

The teams communicate through a radio system so staff can respond quickly to any reports of problems. Between them the 50-strong cleansing team and their managers and supervisors now provide a 24-hour service 365 days a year.


For media enquiries please contact:
Donna Cox, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 224 3335
e-mail: donna.cox@leeds.gov.uk

ENDS