Lorry loads of rubbish removed in council scheme

About 100 miles (161km) of road have been swept and 140 truckloads of rubbish removed, City of Wolverhampton Council says, six months after a project was started to improve cleanliness.

The Love Your Community: Neighbourhood Team features staff from a range of services at the authority taking part in the 12-month pilot, with efforts to enhance the appearance of streets and open spaces.

The council said they hoped work would be continued by residents, "perhaps with local litter picks or little events to bring local people together".

The scheme's efforts were in addition to the authority's existing programme of activity and a response to feedback from residents, a spokesperson added.

The team pressure washed 640m (700yds) of surfaces and cut back 10km (6 miles) of vegetation following the launch in late January, they added.

Activities include clearing problem litter spots, removing weeds, cleaning signs, manual and mechanical sweeping, painting and installing planters.

More than 100 referrals were made on behalf of residents to council services and partners in response to concerns raised during team visits.

Councillor Qaiser Azeem said they have had support from local groups, businesses and organisations and he was "delighted" people were getting involved.

"People have been very welcoming and say the teams have made a real difference to the very local issues that concern them," he added.

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