New council initiative promises cleaner streets and stronger community pride
RESIDENTS across Bridgend County Borough are set to benefit from greener and cleaner public spaces following the launch of a new council initiative aimed at tackling environmental issues head-on.
The scheme, known as Bridgend Works, will introduce a visible and proactive team dedicated to improving the appearance of neighbourhoods, town centres and shared community spaces.
Working alongside existing services such as waste collection, highways and enforcement, the new team will provide additional support to address issues that can often fall between departments or require a more coordinated response.
The initiative officially got underway in Caerau, where council leaders joined forces to remove a significant fly-tipping site between Railway Terrace and a section of the Llynfi Valley Trail. In total, an impressive 547kg of waste was cleared from the area.
John Spanswick, Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, said tackling fly-tipping was a key priority.
He said: “Our priority here today is to tackle fly-tipping which is unacceptable and has a real impact on our environment and communities.
“The public realm featured as a high priority for residents in the recent budget consultation, and in response we have invested an additional £1.5million into these services, demonstrating our commitment to maintaining and enhancing our public spaces and local environment.
“We will work closely with ward members, town and community councils, and local residents on a community-first basis, taking practical, visible action to improve the places people see every day and strengthen the pride and wellbeing of our communities.”
Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment Gary Haines said the project would focus on high-impact improvements.
He said: “I am delighted to launch this initiative which is a highly visible and responsive programme focusing on litter picking, environmental clean-ups, grass cutting and graffiti removal.
“I am very passionate about the important role it will play in restoring public spaces and neighbourhoods across the county borough into places where residents can be proud of where they live.”
Fellow Cabinet Member Eugene Caparros added that residents would begin to see clear improvements over the coming year.
He said: “Over the next 12 months, residents will see real visible improvements that demonstrate ‘Bridgend Works’.
“However, we can’t do this without your help, and I urge residents to report any incidents of fly-tipping and other anti-social behaviour. Residents are also invited to apply for new job opportunities within the team, with vacancies available from April 2.”
Further clearance work at the site will continue over the coming weeks, supported by Shared Regulatory Services.
Residents can find out more about Bridgend Works, including a launch video and job opportunities, by visiting the council’s website.
