New scheme looks to combat littering & illegal dumping via increased street cleaning.
The Liberal Democrats proposed changes for the council’s budget. They want more street cleaners and are also asking for a new waste system. The council relies on Lib Dem votes to pass key decisions, and a big leisure scheme passed with their help.
The proposed budget includes higher taxes. Council tax would rise 3.98 percent, including social care costs.
“Operation Clean & Green” has specific steps. The pilot scheme would improve cleaning, fight illegal dumping, and support local cleanups. Four new workers would clean streets, focusing on residential areas, as current workers only clean busy areas.
Cleaning would increase in problem areas like East Marsh, which need help. Litter and parking cause waste issues. An “Urban Litter Ranger” would engage locals and raise awareness about litter, also helping prevent it.
A group system would allow shared costs, where neighbors can book bulky waste collection together, making it cheaper. The council also plans deep cleaning and will alert residents beforehand to help the cleaners do their job well.
A councilor says the teams do great work, but they lack the resources needed to keep the area clean. The amendment wants a better plan, as residents complain about litter and dumping, and parked cars also block street cleaning.
The council charges £25 for waste removal, which might cause illegal dumping. Therefore, a group system could make it cheaper. Amendments are not common at council meetings. Last year, no changes were made at all, while in 2023, tax changes happened.