On Thursday 4 June, the Street Care and Safety team carried out a busy day of action across the The Hythe, where 18 bags of litter and one fly tip, including three mattresses and a headboard, were cleared. The focus of the day was to clean up public spaces and to speak directly with residents about waste and environmental issues.
Cleaning up streets, parks and public spaces
Work took place across Haddon Park, nearby streets and down towards Hythe Quay, where litter and smaller amounts of rubbish were removed. A mechanical road sweeper also supported the clean-up, clearing built-up dirt and debris from the roads and leaving the area noticeably cleaner.
Elsewhere, attention was given to areas raised by residents. At Hythe Station Road, overgrown weeds along the path to the station were cut back and cleared. The route had become untidy and needed some attention - clearing it has made the path easier to use and improved how the area looks.
The footpath link between Peache Road and Parsons Lane was also cleared, where a build-up of leaves on a slope had created a slipping risk.
At Albany Gardens playpark, the team litter picked, removed weeds and cleaned graffiti, helping to keep the space safe and welcoming for families.
Working with residents
Speaking with residents was an important part of the day. In roads such as Hesper Road and Hatcher Road, officers spoke directly with households about waste collection, fly tipping and how to report issues.
Alongside this, teams continued day-to-day work across the ward, including emptying bins, sweeping streets and responding to reports of fly tipping.
This combined approach helps make sure issues are picked up early, residents know how to report problems and the right action is taken more quickly.
What this means for residents
Days of action like this focus on the issues that matter to local people. By clearing litter, tackling fly tipping and improving well-used spaces, the work helps keep neighbourhoods clean, safe and more pleasant to use.
Dealing with problems early helps prevent them from getting worse, while a visible presence in the area reassures residents that concerns are being listened to and acted on.
Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure, said: “I know how frustrating it is for residents to see litter, fly tipping or overgrown areas where they live. This kind of work helps deal with those issues properly; it clears waste, improves well-used routes and makes shared spaces cleaner and safer, whilst instilling a sense of pride.”
“It’s great to see officers speaking directly with residents and listening to their concerns. That kind of engagement helps us tackle issues earlier and keep our neighbourhoods clean, safe and welcoming for everyone.”
Further information
Fly-tipping and littering affects us all, and reporting issues helps us target our work where it’s needed most. Residents are also encouraged to report fly-tipping and other environmental issues through the council’s website.