Valley up for cleanliness award

NEWS


After months of campaigning for a cleaner Foritude Valley, local Councillor David Hinchliffe (Central Ward) says there has been a noticeable improvement in cleanliness “but there is still a long way to go”.

He has nominated the Valley in council’s “Spotless Suburbs” competition in the “most improved” category.
“I know the Valley has a long way to go,” Cr Hinchliffe said, “but I think we’re turning a corner with twice as many bins, less litter being observed and some business owners cleaning up their act.
“The only way we can see a cleaner, greener, prouder Valley is by council working with businesses, residents and Valley visitors.”
Announcements about the Spotless Suburbs competition are due shortly.
In an open letter to businesses, residents, visitors to the Valley, Cr Hinchliffe said: "Over the last four months, I have been pleased to work with The Independent on a campaign to raise
awareness of litter and cleanliness in the Valley. We have a long way to go before we can say we are truly the “greener, cleaner, prouder Valley” in our motto.
"However, I believe we have turned a corner. Thanks to the efforts of all – council staff, the public, businesses and The Independent – we have more bins and
residents are reporting to me that the Valley is looking cleaner.
"There are still too many untidy business frontages. There's still too many bottles left lying around on Saturday and Sunday mornings. There are still too many scrappy posters on walls of buildings and too many tags. But there is a definite change of mood and pride in the Valley emerging.
"The judges of the council’s Spotless Suburbs competition recently visited the Valley after a six-months absence. They observed that the Valley looked cleaner and there was a noticeable improvement.
"This campaign was always about both a carrot and a stick. We wanted to raise consciousness – and if need be shame those who were responsible for letting the Valley down. At the same time, however, we want to give praise where it's due.
"So, let’s see how we go in the months ahead to really make the Valley GREENER, CLEANER AND PROUDER!