As part of a £5m investment into waste services, Tower Hamlets Council has recruited 72 new waste staff, put 22 new vehicles into operation for street and park cleansing, and expanded the service to deliver a twice daily, seven-day-a-week, cleansing on the 115 main streets in the borough.
This announcement comes alongside a series of wider service improvements, including: * the introduction of a proactive rapid response team to monitor and clean up issues around the borough * enhanced training for over 155 street cleaners * modernisation of waste technology * optimisation of collection routes for efficiency * an increase in nighttime and weekend rounds, especially in the busiest locations like parks in the summertime and locations where there is a thriving nighttime economy.
Become a Street Leader is a new programme which empowers residents to report fly-tipping and litter, organise litter-picks, and have a direct line to the council to help support this new investment initiative.
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “We are taking decisive action on the waste emergency to urgently improve cleanliness of the borough now, while also implementing long-term improvements for the delivery of the waste service. “Alongside this we are cracking down on any residents or businesses who harm our community by dumping waste, by fining them £1,000 for fly-tipping and £500 for littering. Cleaning up fly-tipping in our borough costs around £2m per year – money that could be better spent elsewhere, providing excellent services for our community, rather than cleaning up after those who ignore their duty to dispose of their waste properly. “We know that cleanliness has been a challenge in the borough, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of how our waste service operates is one of my highest priorities. Residents deserve to live in a clean and green borough.”
Cllr Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, said: “I urge residents to join us – become a Street Leader, report dirty streets on Find It, Fix It, and care for your streets and parks so everyone can enjoy them.
“This investment is crucial to improve the delivery of waste services and clean up our streets, parks, and open spaces. However, we need everyone to play their part in keeping our borough clean – our residents, businesses, and visitors all make up a vital part of our community and your everyday choices in the borough make a big difference.”
Ashraf Ali, Interim Director, Public Realm added: “Residents are encouraged to get involved by downloading the Find It, Fix It app and report fly-tipping and litter – you find it, and we’ll fix it in 24 hours.
“Many people are glad to know that residents are now empowered to report litter and fly-tipping, organise litter-picks, and have a direct line to the council to help support this new investment initiative.”
Hafsa Rahman, Street Cleansing Project Lead for the Mayor’s waste improvement project concluded: “As the project lead for street cleansing, my primary aim is to create a cleaner, safer and more pleasant environment for all residents and visitors.
“I am working closely with the street cleansing operations services to review the current street cleansing model and identify areas for improvement and enhancements, ensure successful recruitment for the additional 72 staff members and encourage public participation in maintaining a clean environment.”
The Mayor and Lead Councillor joined Simon Baxter, Corporate Director for Communities, Ashraf Ali, Interim Director of Public Realm and Hafsa Rahman, Street Cleansing Project Lead to meet and greet Tower hamlets staff and volunteers from the council workforce as well as members of the Wash Wombles litter pickers.
For more information on how to become a Street Leader, visit the council WEBSITE.