Investing in Clean Streets

CLEAN STREETS: A new urban electric vacuum cleaner has been added to Braintree District Council’s street cleansing fleet, following a government grant award of just over £26,000.

The vacuum cleaner will be in action in the town centres and will enhance the manual work already being undertaken by the council’s Green Heart Barrow Beat staff.  The Barrow Beat team is out and about, 7 days a week, litter-picking and sweeping hard to reach areas to keep them clear of litter.  It can reach into the smallest gaps and recesses with its flexible and durable nozzle and will remove the smaller pieces of litter that are difficult to collect with a broom, making our streets even cleaner.

Cllr Wendy Schmitt, Cabinet Member for Environment and Place, said: “We know clean streets are important to residents and as a Council, we work hard and take pride in the keeping the district clean and tidy. Our recent satisfaction survey showed that 77% of respondents were satisfied with the cleanliness of the district, however we are always looking for ways of improvement and this new vacuum cleaner will enable us to work more efficiently and effectively.  It will also help reduce our carbon footprint which is always good news for the environment, as the machine is 100% electric, eco-friendly with no CO2 emissions.”

The council has also replenished its stock of litter and dog waste bins, as well as litter-picks, high visibility vests and gloves to lend to members of the community.  “I’m pleased we have been able to invest in all this new equipment,” Cllr Schmitt goes on to say, “as it means we can continue to support our partners and volunteers and the hard work they do in their local communities to help keep our district clean and tidy.

If you are planning a community clear up in your area and need litter-picking equipment or interested in joining our 117 Green Heart Champion volunteers, call our Customer Service Centre on 01376 552525 or email csc:@braintree.gov.uk.  For more information on becoming a Green Heart Champion visit www.braintree.gov.uk/greenheart

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