A city-wide cleansing service, introduced by Swansea Council in 2022, has led to more than 400 sites in the city being cleaned and spruced up.
The Council launched the new Cleansing Ward Operative Teams (CWOT) initiative to tackle issues within communities that are not part of the regular cleansing regime and relies on information from members of the public and ward members to direct teams.
Since January this year, more than 400 sites have been tackled, ranging from litter clearance to removal of overgrown bushes, cleaning traffic and street signs and fly-tipping removal.
The improvements have not gone unnoticed with members of the public and local ward members, singing the praises of the new team’s efforts for the resulting transformation within their communities.
The Council introduced the new teams to complement existing cleansing services and as part of a commitment made to make Swansea a better place to live for residents and businesses.
Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community Services, has stated the service has been a huge success so far and has made a big difference for locals living in communities around the city.
He said: “The new scheme is proving to be very popular and has generated plenty of work with local ward members and the public all playing their part by directing the teams to specific locations that require some attention.
“Although we already have regular cleansing teams that work hard to clean public areas such as community shopping areas and local parks, these new teams tackle parts of a community that may be off the beaten track in terms of regular cleansing work we do.
“Each week, the teams spend time in a number of wards, dealing with whatever has been reported to them by ward members. I’m pleased local ward members have responded positively to the initiative and are providing the information we need to direct the teams.
“Our aim is to provide a response team that go over and above what we already do. I’m extremely proud of this new service. It’s been a huge success so far and has made a big difference for residents living all across the city.”
