Grot busters strike a deal

CLEAN deal . . . back row, from the left Bill Houghton, Ian Monaghan (area manager Street Scene), Linda Molloy, Julia Fitton (Disabled Association member). Front: Alan Whitehead, Andrea Walkden (Disabled Association secretary), Rebecca Nokes and Councillor Mark Alcock (Cabinet member for environment).

STREET cleaners have struck a deal to stay in the heart of Shaw to help to keep the parish clean.

In a ground-breaking agreement between Oldham Council and the voluntary sector, Street Scene in Shaw will continue to use the facilities of Shaw and District Disabled Association throughout the winter as a base of operation.

Staff have been based at the centre since April and say it makes an ideal base to speed up responses to issues in and around Shaw.

It means they can be at hand to continue work such as mowing, keeping public areas tidy and dealing with fly-tipping and grot spots.

Cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, Councillor Mark Alcock, said: “The service has benefited immensely from being based at the Millyard centre and being able to deliver a more cost-effective service to Shaw and Royton.

“As a thank-you, Street Scene staff have been able to assist the association by removing rubbish and old furniture, keeping grassed areas tidy and dealing with infestations of Japanese knotwood on their property.

“I am delighted that we have been able to agree a continuation of this arrangement over the winter which is partnership working between the council and residents at its best.

“Finally, don’t forget if you see any Street Scene staff out on the street and know of a problem in your area stop and tell them so it can be sorted quickly.”