Huge leaf clearing efforts are underway

The council’s environmental services provider has sent out crews to clear the leaves from various areas of the borough to prevent them from causing a hazard to motorists and pedestrians and from blocking drains.

When leaves become wet they can make roads and pavements hazardous and they can create a flooding risk when they block drains. Mechanical road sweepers support the cleansing crews and together they deal with the large amounts of leaf fall during the autumn months.

The Ubico teams plan the routes for the sweepers to allow maximum time on the road each day and – aside from scheduled work - they have responded to most ad-hoc leaf reports from residents promptly.

Councillor Chris Coleman, cabinet member for clean and green environment said:  ‘’I am pleased that Ubico crews are out on the streets as we speak to ensure that leaves don’t become a problem. Some parts of the country have been affected by significant flooding and sometimes this is added to by leaf build up around drains.  I’d like to thank the Ubico team for their efforts and in addition the many residents who have been working hard to clear up leaves around their homes.’’

Leaves collected by residents can be composted and those who do not have compost heaps can also collect the leaves in plastic bags and store them securely in the knowledge that they will decompose and form an excellent mulch which will be ready for spreading on the garden in a few months’ time. Alternatively residents can recycle their leaves through the garden waste scheme if they subscribe to the collection service or alternatively take them to the Swindon Road recycling centre.

Anyone who would like to report a build-up of falling leaves which they feel might pose flooding or other safety risks, especially around drains, should call the Waste Hotline on 01242 264244.

For press enquiries contact: Katie Sandey, communications and web team leader, telephone 01242 264154 or email: [email protected]

Notes

All the falling leaves collected by Ubico are added to the weekly (paid for) collections of green waste across the borough. This is composted to manufacture commercially available soil enhancer, which is available to purchase from all Household Recycling Centres, including Fosse Cross, at £3.50 for a 40 litre sack.

The quality of this material is so good that it should not be used directly as compost, but rather as a conditioner to be dug in with existing soil.