Gwynedd Council’s street cleaning team are responsible for keeping our streets, pavements and main roads clear of litter; emptying bins and dog muck bins; cleaning beaches and clearing away rubbish dumped at the side of the road.
The city of Bangor and towns such as Dolgellau, Y Bala, Barmouth, Porthmadog, Pwllheli and Caernarfon are cleaned daily. Work then moves out to the villages and surrounding areas.
The summer months are busiest as the county’s population swells, and because of some of the major events held during the season. For example, the teams start work at 3am following Criccieth fair to ensure the roads are clear of rubbish.
Councillor Arwel Pierce, Gwynedd Council’s Municipal Services Portfolio Leader, said:
“Keeping our streets, car parks and open spaces clean and tidy is something that concerns most people. Unfortunately there is a small minority who have little or no regard for the environment who think nothing of dropping litter on the street or through the car window or dumping bags of rubbish or old furniture by the side of the road.
“The most common types of litter found on our streets are things like cigarette stumps, fast food packaging and sweet wrappers. The teams often find things like furniture, old fridges and even asbestos dumped at the side of the road which has to be cleared away.
“It is left to Council staff to clean the mess left behind by these people, and the taxpayer has to foot the bill. I would urge people to be responsible and use the public bins provided, or take their rubbish home and put it in the bin or in the blue box for recycling.”
Geraint Thomas from Bangor has been a street cleaner for 31 years.
He said: “I think it’s important that everyone plays their part and takes responsibility for keeping the streets clean and tidy. Little things like making sure you put your bins out on the right day and making sure they’re closed properly to stop seagulls or other animals from getting to them can make a difference.”
To report instances of fly-tipping, littering or dog fouling problem areas in Gwynedd, contact the Council’s Street Enforcement Team on 01766 771000 or go to www.gwynedd.gov.uk/do-it-on-line. All information given will be treated in confidence.
