21/04/2008

Prevention is Better than Cure

After only four months on patrol, the Town Centre Care & Repair Team, part of the Council's Community Pride initiative, has made some major improvements across the heart of Stockport.

Going beyond the normal cleansing and maintenance service, the team has tackled some of the worst problems afflicting the town centre streets.

The illegal dumping of trade waste, especially in the Underbanks and along Princess Street, was an eyesore to shoppers and a nuisance to other traders in the area.  By approaching and guiding local shop owners on a regular basis and intervening quickly the team has been able to reduce this unsightly activity.

The team is also working with public utility companies that need to carry out work in the town centre.  The team is notified of work before it starts so they can assess the area and make sure that the utilities restore the ground to a good standard, using the right materials, when the work is completed.

Norman Hudson, Service Director for Regeneration and Leisure, said: "The team continues to carry out their day to day tasks such as repairing paving, targeting litter hotspots, improving flower beds, because all these small things help to make a big difference. But where the team stands out is the proactive way they are preventing our streets becoming untidy or damaged in the first place.  Early intervention has been the key and will help to keep the town centre attractive and vibrant in the long term."

The Care & Repair Team can be found working in the town centre between 8am and 4pm Monday to Saturday. Any issues can be reported direct to the team or call 0845 833 4444. 

Pictured above: Making a difference: The Town Centre Care & Repair Team.