OLDHAM WILL be kept clean and tidy by a team of ten new dedicated street cleaners.
Oldham Council has employed the staff as part of their commitment to making sure they deliver clean and green neighbourhoods where people want to live, work and do business.
Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives, said: “One of the things that comes up time and again when we talk to residents is that they want to see streets that are rubbish-free.
“We’ve listened to them and as part of this year’s budget we set aside money to employ these new street cleaners.
“This doesn’t mean they are there just to clean up after people – we all have to do our bit and take a little a pride in our communities by keeping them clean and tidy.
“Think before you throw litter – it’s not difficult to keep rubbish in your pocket until you get home or to put it in one of the bins that we provide across the borough.
“Littering is not only anti-social but also unhealthy and it affects all residents, as it means council tax money is spent clearing it up rather than on other services.”
The environmental operatives will be deployed across Oldham district – which includes the town centre – in two shifts of five.
The teams work on a street by street basis and as well as removing litter and waste they will also tidy up by removing weeds from cracks in pavements, for example.
The council will take enforcement action against those who are found to have dropped litter or flytipped waste, including issuing fixed penalty notices or taking legal action.
If you see anyone littering or fly-tipping report them to us on 0161 770 6644 or submit a report online via www.oldham.gov.uk
Why is there so much litter in Oldham? When are the streets going to be cleaned again ? Not seen any street cleaners for at least 6-8 weeks.