Residents can look forward to greener, cleaner public spaces with the launch of the council’s ‘Bridgend Works’ initiative.
This will establish a visible, responsive and proactive team focusing on improving the cleanliness and appearance of neighbourhoods, town centres and community spaces across the county borough.
Working alongside existing council services such as waste, highways, shared regulatory services and enforcement, the team will provide an additional layer of support and address issues that often fall between services or require a coordinated practical response.
Councillor John Spanswick, the Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, was joined by Cabinet Members for Climate Change and the Environment (Job-Share) Councillor Gary Haines, and Councillor Eugene Caparros at the first phase of the project, working to clear an impressive 547kg of rubbish that had been fly-tipped at land between Railway Terrace and a section of the Llynfi Valley Trail in Caerau, Maesteg.
Councillor John Spanswick said: “Our priority here today is to tackle fly-tipping which is unacceptable and has 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.”
Councillor Gary Haines, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment stated: “I am delighted to launch this initiative which is a highly visible and responsive initiative focusing on high impact improvements such as litter picking and general 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.”
Councillor Eugene Caparros added: “Over the next 12 months, residents will see real visible improvements that demonstrates ‘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 on our website or by contacting your local councillor. To help us preserve and protect our communities.
“Residents are invited to join us in making a difference and apply for our new job vacancies within the ‘Bridgend Works’ Team. Jobs will be available to view on the jobs section on our website from Thursday 2 April.”
Further clearance of the fly-tipping will continue over the next few weeks, with support from the council’s environmental partner, Shared Regulatory Services (SRS).
For more information on ‘Bridgend Works’ and to view a short video launching the campaign, please visit the council’s website.