A FLEET of new street sweepers is out in force on the streets of Sheffield trying to keep the roads and pavements clean.
A dozen sweepers are already in operation and eight more are arriving this Spring.
The fleet, introduced by Sheffield Council contractor Amey – as part of the Streets Ahead programme – has cost £1.9 million.
Amey is responsible for all street cleaning operations in the city as part of the £2 billion Streets Ahead programme running for the next 25 years.
The company employs 114 people to carry out the work, including litter picking, emptying 2,500 bins across the city and removing graffiti and waste which is fly-tipped on highway land.
Operations manager Damian Bell, said: “We look after 1,180 miles of road and 2,050 miles of pavement across Sheffield so the street sweepers are already hard at work looking after city centre locations such as Tudor Square and Barker’s Pool through to residential streets and shopping precincts.
“During a typical day in the city centre, a sweeper could cover up to 25 miles.
“As the sweeping speed is only three miles per hour, they are very easy to spot.”
Mr Bell added: “We are out there most days in all weathers apart from snow and ice so our new sweepers will soon be a familiar sight across the city.
“We also have people out on foot across the city collecting litter and emptying the bins, so it really is a team effort.”
The new sweepers can hold two cubic metres of waste – that’s more than eight household wheelie bins.
Coun Jack Scott, Sheffield Council’s cabinet member for environment, recycling and streetscene said: “The condition of our streets is really important to us.
“Amey’s street cleaning operations are a key part of the Streets Ahead programme and we’re pleased that they are investing in new equipment to help keep our streets clean and attractive.”
n For more information about the Streets Ahead project, visit www.sheffield.gov.uk/streetsahead or follow us on twitter @sccstreetsahead for the latest updates.
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