News Archive

Public say no to cleansing cuts

06 July 2010

Street cleaning and rubbish collections are two of the areas where there should NOT be cuts, according to a new survey of 2,000 people.

The research was commissioned by the Local Government Association, which is this week discussing how to make £1 billion of savings.

The discussion is part of current debate about reducing public spending and the government has invited the public to say where they would like to see the axe fall.

It is clear from this survey that caring for the local environment - along with caring for the elderly - is an area where the public are not happy to see cuts.

Keep Britain Tidy chief executive Phil Barton said: ‘People clearly value clean streets and communities that are free from litter are safer and healthier places to live.

‘Litter is everyone’s responsibility, however councils provide a vital service in keeping our streets clean.

‘Cuts could mean more litter on the ground which, as these results show, is a price the public are not willing to pay.’

The Local Government Association, which represents councils in England and Wales, will discuss how to tackle the spending reductions at its annual conference this week.

Comments

Comment on this article

• Kenneth Read., South East

  Like Brian, I too keep my area clean, sometimes litter picking five times a week. I do this, not only because I can't abide litter, but through pride in my country. This government must do more, not less, to make sure our country is kept cleaner, After all, we are paying for this service ! If more people harangued their local councils and MPs, instead of saying " What's the point. " then we might see a lot more progress in turning around this appalling situation. Come on fellow countrymen, stand up and be heard.

• Brian Reynolds, South East

  Gravesham Borough Council (Conservative Run) has a street cleansing service already run on a shoestring and any cuts in this service will only add to the already dirty streets. The borough is very large and stretches from the Thames to the North Downs in the south and yet the council has about three road sweepers and a small gang of hardworking operatives. The Conservatives should put their money where their mouth is and honour their pre election promise to rid this country of litter. All the signs at present are contrary to this, especially their reluctance to pass a Deposit Bill on all drinks containers. At present, I am cleaning many street in my area to keep them litter free. If I didn't do this, the streets would constantly look appalling. Living in Britain with the massive litter problem and no hope of any serious leadership or national anti-litter campaigns is all very demoralising.