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21 Oct 03Clean Streets are a top priority in Poole
Surveys among residents on local priorities for council funding show that cleaner streets are consistently at the top of their list. Consultation shows that as well as providing obvious economic benefits by keeping the town tidy, local people also see it as a matter of pride. Over the last 18 months, specialist cleaning equipment has been helping to target key areas and keep the town clean and tidy. Councillor Jonathan Pethen, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: "Poole has a world renowned natural beauty and we intend to foster a growing sense of Pride in Poole. We will protect and enhance the built and natural environment and are committed to making the town a cleaner and greener place for everyone to enjoy. Key to this ambition is the dedication of our street cleansing workforce who continually strive to improve upon their high standards." The crews on the ground played a key role in selecting the right machines for the job which included; sweepers, mechanical deep cleansers, mini refuse vehicles and litter collection vans. Waste Operations Supervisor, Rob Booth, said: "We involved the crews in testing the vehicles as they’re the one’s who use them. We had to look at issues like getting down the narrow alleys around the Quay and the staff had some very useful points and views that we took into consideration. The mechanical deep cleansing unit has enabled us to take a thin layer off the surface which means it is better at tackling problems like chewing gum and grime and is making a visible improvement to the brightness of the roads and footpaths." Town Centre Cleansing Operative, Arthur Goddard, said: "The pressure washer gets directly to grease, oil and milk which can cause problems with litter sticking to the road. It makes such a difference when you look at the road after we’ve been over it. It’s also good for cleaning street furniture, especially benches and litter bins. Its strong suction also cleans all the cigarette ends from between the gaps in the block paving in the High Street." The staff are very proud of the job they do and thanks are always gratefully received. Cleansing Operative, John Pletts, said: "People do come up and say we’re doing a good job. One chap from Coventry said Poole was the tidiest place he’d ever visited." The crews are aware of all the trouble spots in the area and even know how the weather will affect what they find. Operative, Andrew Morison, said: "You always know where to go first and what you’ll find depending on which way the wind’s blowing. Sometimes the litter will all be down one side of the street which makes things easier." Poole town is divided into zones depending on how many people generally pass through them. Streets are also graded, in line with Environmental Protection Act (1990) guidance, on their level of cleanliness. This helps crews make sure that the busiest zones, which suffer a faster litter build-up, are put right quickly and that all streets are acceptably tidy. Kate Hodder, Consumer Protection Officer, Borough of Poole, said: "We recognise that keeping streets clean isn’t just about clearing up, but educating people not to drop litter and to look after their environment. The Pride in Poole campaign was launched with the aim of doing just that; raising awareness of the effects of people’s actions and covering issues like littering, fly tipping, business waste, dog fouling, graffiti, abandoned vehicles and community safety. Only by doing this can we begin to make an impact into these problems." Notes: Pride in Poole has already enjoyed considerable success including: For more information on the Borough of Poole’s working practices, or information regarding the Pride in Poole Campaign, contact Kate Hodder, Consumer Protection Officer, Borough of Poole. Tel: 01202 261 704 or email: k.hodder@poole.gov.uk
Kate Hodder, Borough of Poole Consumer Protection Services on: 01202 261 704
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