'South Kesteven has highest street standards'

South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) is going one step further to improve the standards of our streets by adopting a 'Higher Street Standard.'

It follows on from the highly successful 'Big Clean' initiative which made a big impression in communities across South Kesteven last year.

SKDC launched the 12-week Big Clean programme to bring the districts streets up to a higher standard of cleanliness, to appeal to investors, residents and visitors.

The project tackled not only litter, but also weeds, graffiti, fly-tipping and broken bins across the districts 'grot spots.'

Throughout the project, a significant amount of intelligence was gathered and lessons learnt, which enabled The Big Clean to attain a higher standard of cleansing.

As a result, SKDC's cabinet member for environment, Councillor Dr Peter Moseley has introduced a level of cleanliness across South Kesteven, which is over and above the National Standard as set out in the Code of Practice on litter and refuse.

Coun Moseley added: "After the Big Clean, we looked at how we operate in the district and knew that we could do even better. Our ambition is to have a higher standard and to raise the bar for street cleanliness.

"We have committed to have the highest street standard in the country as far as we know.

"Our basic street cleansing will continue but to achieve our ambition of maintaining the 'higher street standard' we are funding two additional teams with the specialist equipment and skills needed to deliver this.'

The teams will operate all year round and will be driven by a program of works.

SKDC deputy leader Coun Kelham Cooke added: "The Big Clean put pride back in the community.

"It is something we have really got to be proud of."