Operation Clean-up

12.00.00am GMT Wed 1st Feb 2006

Operation clean-up came to Fishermead in January, organised by the Milton Keynes Council's STREETCARE (which includes staff of the highways, street lighting and landscape departments, as well as the graffitibusters) and Campbell Park Parish Council. They were joined by members of the Council's housing and youth offending teams as well as by Cory Environmental and Thames Valley Police.

Highways operatives carried out minor repairs replacing broken railings and paving and repairing tarmac on the redway. Graffitibusters removed graffiti from four underpasses and over 40 other locations. Landscape contractors carried out winter pruning and maintenance. Street lighting staff repaired bollards and lights. Housing caretakers helped to remove rubbish and the youth offending team delivered leaflets giving information about waste and recycling to every house on the estate. Campbell Park Parish Council staff helped with the leaflet delivery and the deep clean.

In total Cory picked up nearly 30 tonnes of rubbish and leaves and eight vehicles were reported to the DVLA for being untaxed on the highway.

Chris Fripp Waste Services Officer said: "The operation was a great success and the residents of Fishermead can be proud of their clean estate."

In subsequent weeks, officers have been returning to the estate to educate residents about waste and recycling and where and when they should leave their rubbish. Enforcement action may be taken in the future if rubbish is put out before the collection day.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Douglas McCall, cabinet member responsible for the environment and localities, added: "This is a fine example of agencies and council departments working together to make a real difference. The estate looks completely different and I hope this will begin to instill a sense of pride in local residents and they will start to take responsibility for their environment."