As autumn swirls into town, Ealing Council’s street sweeping teams are stepping up their efforts to keep our roads and pavements safe – boosted by extra staff and community volunteers.
Autumn always brings a seasonal surge in leaf fall, which can last up to 3 months, depending on the weather. Like last year, an extra 27 staff members have been brought in to support the council crews’ clear-up work.
These leaf clearing efforts will prioritise areas outside schools, hospitals and day centres – places where vulnerable residents are most likely to be walking.
The teams will also concentrate on shopping areas, train stations, steep hills and those streets that tend to get heavy leaf fall, as well as places where leaves could block drains and cause flooding.
Stepping up to help
Once again, like last year, local Scouts groups have offered to lend a hand.
The army of volunteers, aged between 4 and 14 years old, are from the Ealing and Hanwell groups, and are going to collect leaves that have dropped in their neighbourhoods.
The Scouts first teamed up with the council last autumn, when they filled more than 100 bags of leaves and earned their ‘Ealing Leaf and Litter Legend’ badges for their efforts. This year, 1st Ealing North group returned to in Montpelier Park, in Ealing, on Sunday 18 October. They collected an impressive 50 bags of leaves.
The council is providing the groups with brooms, shovels and green sacks to support their efforts throughout the autumn.
Scout group lead volunteer, Neil Gosrani, said: “It’s fantastic to see our Cubs embracing new challenges, building confidence and developing skills that will stay with them for life.
“Thanks to the dedication of our leaders and parent volunteers, our Cubs are not only learning valuable life skills but also discovering how they can make a positive difference in their community.”
‘A fantastic community effort’
Councillor Dominic Moffitt, the council’s cabinet member for climate action, said: “Our street cleaning teams work hard throughout autumn to clear fallen leaves and help keep pavements safe, but it is fantastic to have local Scouts lending a hand again.
“Last year they showed what a difference people can make by getting involved in their own neighbourhood. I would encourage residents and community groups across the borough to request a free equipment kit and join them.”
Everyone can get involved
You do not have to be a Scout or work for the council to help keep your street looking its best.
Last year, more than 1,700 residents and community groups took up the council’s offer of free equipment to help clear leaves and litter in their local area.
Free equipment is available to residents again this year, including:
- a litter-picking kit
- a leaf collection kit
- a roll of green sacks (20 bags)
- a broom, if you do not have your own
To request a kit, visit the council’s website.
