Media centre

Tuesday 21 Apr 2009

NETWORK CLEAN UP

Region & Route:

Four tonnes of rubbish has been removed from parts of Litherland in a joint project between Sefton Council and Network Rail.

Land belonging to Network Rail near Violet Road/Akenside Street/Hornby Boulevard and Lily Road was blitzed in a major clean-up operation.

It is the first time both Sefton Council's Community Engagement Team and Network Rail have joined forces to clear away rubbish by the railway track. The waste collected was removed by Sefton's Neighbourhood Liveability Team

During the day fly-tipping was removed, bushes cut back and the overall look of the area improved with four tonnes of waste taken away in caged tippers.

The clean-up operation is one of a number of projects taking place in the area involving Sefton Council and many of its partner agencies.

The Neighbourhood Liveability Team and Community Engagement Team aim to improve street cleansing throughout areas in south Sefton. Their efforts will enhance and complement the Council's existing Cleansing service to create cleaner, greener, safer places for people to live and work.

Community Engagement Team Leader, Kerry Connon, said: "This is the first time we have joined forces with Network Rail to clean up areas in and around the railway track.

"The results are very impressive and hopefully similar projects can be carried out at other areas in the borough.

"Partnership working like this really benefits the whole community and we hope the area will now stay litter free."

Network Rail’s route director, Jo Kaye, added: “Fly-tipping is a real problem for the rail industry. It looks unsightly, encourages vermin and poses a safety threat to train services.

"It does nothing to attract visitors, many of whom get their first impressions of the area from the train window.

"Network Rail can provide the manpower to clear the rubbish but does not have the facilities to dispose of it, so working with the local authority like this means everyone is a winner.”