THE state of streets in Kingstone is causing havoc for locals – as abandoned bins and unkempt street planters are attracting vermin, according to a councillor.
Coun Steve Bullcock raised the issue at full council last month, complimenting the work that has been done to keep the town centre clean and maintain the town hall’s gardens, but hoping to raise awareness of other areas that have been ‘forgotten’.
He pointed out that nearly all 32 street planters in Kingstone have been neglected, leaving them to overgrow and provide ‘a safe haven for vermin’.
Coun Bullcock said: “We’ve got a problem with fly-tipping, that’s something that’s always going to be the case unfortunately.
“Residents have to sit and watch rats run around their streets – this is within half a mile of town centre, it’s not right.
“But this is nothing new, it’s been going on and on and on for a while.”
Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, said there are a number of planters and planted borders within this area that are managed by various organisations.
“Any planters that are the responsibility of the council are maintained by our Neighbourhood Services team to address overgrown shrubbery on a reactive basis to keep the highway clear and safe,” he told the Chronicle.
“In terms of street cleansing, we work proactively to control weed growth, collect litter and remove fly-tipping in affected areas.
“Litter and fly-tipping are a blight on our beautiful communities, and our Neighbourhoods Services team works closely with our Safer Neighbourhoods team to identify and take action against those responsible.”
