Tidy team tackle the to-do list

The team that keeps Plymouth streets tidy is being beefed up to ensure the city is ready for winter.

Seven teams will be heading out to all areas from now until Christmas to tackle some of the niggles in the neighbourhoods. 

Council Leader Ian Bowyer said: “We’ve listened to what our residents have been telling us and are employing more staff on this key frontline service to make sure the city looks as clean as it can be.

“We’ve made it a lot easier for people to report issues online by simplifying our online service and are pleased that people have been in touch with the issues that are important to them.

“We have taken this on board and have put in some extra staff so that the service can deal better with the issues that have been reported to us.”

The teams are focussing on weeding, grass cutting and litter picking and tackling hotspots. With autumn looming, leaf clearance to prevent drains being blocked will also be part of the work programme.

Councillor Mike Leaves, Cabinet Member for street scene and the environment said: ”Over the summer we have brought in a change that has affected every one of our residents. This new arrangement was designed to encourage people to recycle more and we are delighted that this is getting results and our recycling rates are going up.

Now we are taking positive action to make sure that we are fully on top of the day to day work to ensure the city looks clean and tidy.

To report issues online visit  www.plymouth.gov.uk/selfservice