More than 50 streets, squares and snickelways across York’s city centre have been deep cleaned by frontline crews.
City of York Council is taking the opportunity to do a deep clean whilst the city centre is quieter than normal.
This also takes into account recently-changed government guidance that allows residents to spend more time exercising during the day.
Executive member for environment and climate change Cllr Paula Widdowson said: “Our front line crews have been doing a fantastic job in cleaning our city centre of weeds, cigarette butts under benches and cleaning all those nooks and crannies.
“They’ve been working round the clock to make our city centre cleaner and safer during the pandemic. Please help them by putting your litter in the bin and making sure we keep our city clean.”
Graffiti removal
Frontline crews are working seven days a week to sweep the streets, empty bins, pick up litter and remove weeds.
Staff were previously redeployed to assist the waste services team but have now re-joined the public realm department.
The deep clean includes:
- the removal of dust and silt, weeds and cigarette butts from building lines, under benches, nooks and crannies
- the removal of cable ties and expired notices, stickers etc.
- cleaning the interior and exterior of litter bins.
Teams are also removing graffiti on council-owned buildings and deep cleaning council car parks.
All crews carrying out the works operate under strict social distancing guidance.
The council has worked with trade unions to develop new ways of working and has ensured works can happen in a safe way for front line operatives and the public, whilst the city centre is quieter than normal.