Students and councillors work together to keep Leeds tidy (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Students and councillors work together to keep Leeds tidy

March 12, 2010 12:00 AM

Money from the north west inner area committees' well-being fund will help to pay for new over night enforcement patrols in June and July when thousands of students move in and out of their rented accommodation.

A dedicated operation will be launched this year to tackle the problem of 'bin tatting' or the slashing and turning over of rubbish bins and bags to look for documents containing sensitive information to be then used in identity fraud.

Two environmental action officers will patrol the streets with police during the main changeover period. Two patrols will be carried out over four days between 8pm - 3am and 5:30pm - 8:00am in order to try and catch 'tatters' in the act.

An additional refuse collection vehicle will also be deployed to deal with the high volumes of waste as well as £16,000 to help support the Leave Leeds Tidy project run by Leeds University Union's Volunteering and Community Office. They aim to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill when student tenancies end.

During the period of student changeover the Green Streets team led and run by students collect any items which would otherwise be land-filled, redistribute them to charities, hostels and shelters, and hold several free shops over the summer. They also provide information for students, landlord and residents in the community including a map showing where people can recycle bottles, clothes and other household waste.

Cllr Martin Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley) said:

"We are very proud of the work that has been going on in recent years but bin tatting is a major problem. Most students pile their rubbish in an orderly way only to have them rifled through by these people. The new overnight patrols should stop this from happening and prevent people falling victim to identity fraud."

Cllr Ben Chastney (Lib Dem, Weetwood, chair of the inner north west area committee) said:

"We see the money spent on this project as vital to improving the quality of life for all our residents. The summer changeover period creates havoc and distress for many local residents, things have improved but we want to make a big push this year. We are really proud of the relationship we have built up over the years and the amount of students who get involved each year and volunteer."