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Stevenage Borough Council plans to roll out a Spring Clean of its local neighbourhood and surrounding areas and is inviting community groups and volunteers to join in with the clean-up.
The initiative was revealed by the Leader, Cllr Sharon Taylor during the 2019/20 Budget at a Full Council meeting (February 2019) where an additional £26,000 was reserved on top of the existing budget to help with an intensive cleaning initiative. The programme will include a deep cleanse of the town.
Currently, potential sites are being surveyed and the programme will begin later this month and run until the end of May. The annual initiative will provide an opportunity for a general spring clean to get our open spaces ready for the summer.
As part of the Spring Clean, the council is developing a scheme to lend out litter picking equipment to constituted community groups who will be a rewarded for taking part. Details regarding how equipment can be accessed along with the application process will be posted on the council's website.
A key part of the programme is the introduction of a brand-new approach to weed spraying, by using a hot steam technique - a more environmentally friendly approach. Mulch will also be applied to tree bases which were planted within hard surfaces in key areas. This will help conserve soil moisture, improve the health of the soil, reduce weed growth and enhance the visual appeal of green areas.
Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, Cllr Sharon Taylor said: "As part of our efforts to work co-operatively with Stevenage residents at a neighbourhood level, £26,000 has been dedicated to fund a spring clean of the Neighbourhood. Our environment teams are keen collaborate with people such as our residents' action groups."
"I invite established community groups who would like help tidy up parts of their community to contact the council and apply for funding. The funding will support residents with great ideas to spruce up their local area alongside our experts."
If you are interested in taking part in our Spring Clean, contact environmental.services@stevenage.gov.uk for further information about the initiative or visit www.stevenage.gov.uk-spring-clean from Monday 18 March onwards.