Concerns over drop in street cleaners ‘can’t be swept aside’

AREDUCTION in the number of street cleaners being employed across Glasgow has left the city “in crisis”, it has been warned.

Figures revealed the number of street cleaners recruited by Glasgow City Council reduced from 470.55 full time equivalent streetscene staff, in grades one to two, in 2016/17 to 415.05 in 2019/20.

While similar data shows 398.2 full time equivalent hours from parks and facilities employees, in grades one to four, in 2016/17 but, only 349.26 in 2019/20.

Councillor Paul Carey said: “This administration is asking the people of Glasgow to do the cleaning job, but it is quite clear that over the last four years it has reduced the cleansing operatives and drivers along with a reduction in the operatives that look after our parks.

“These actions are now being recognised by the people of Glasgow who are now highlighting that the city is in a cleaning crisis.”

A spokesman for the council said it continues to spend around £100million a year on environmental protection.

He said: “It’s no secret that all local authority budgets are under pressure, but we always seek to use the available resources to deliver efficient and effective services for the city.

“More drivers for street sweepers are about to be recruited and they will be working on brand new mechanical street sweepers that will support the effort to keep the city in good order.

“Our roll-out of new, larger litter bins for streets and parks continues and this additional bin capacity allows staff to focus on other priorities such as street sweeping and litter picking.

“Investment is also being made in support of initiatives that tackle environmental issues in backcourts and lanes along with funding to enhance local parks and open spaces.

“Once lockdown restrictions have rolled back further, we plan to reboot the Clean Glasgow campaign and provide full support for community clean-ups.”