Swansea communities getting the neat and tidy treatment

Swansea Council's popular Cleansing Ward Operative Teams (CWOT) are continuing to respond to calls from the public and local councillors, targeting overgrown bushes and trees, uncovering footpaths that have succumbed to nature, as well as litter clearance and ensuring street and road signs are clean and can be read more easily.

The council launched the CWOT initiative more 18 months ago and they are taking on additional works that are not part of the regular cleansing roles operating in the city.

The public play their part by reporting issues within their communities to their local councillor, who then contacts the CWOT service.

Most days, the teams are travelling around Swansea, with their van loaded with equipment, ready to tackle whatever has been reported.

So far, more than 1,300 sites have been tackled, resulting in freshly uncovered pavements and steps, overhanging trees cut back, and lanes off the beaten track being brought back to life.

And in the first 12 months of the initiative, more than 400 tonnes of waste (green and general waste) have been removed.

Cllr Cyril Anderson, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "The CWOT teams are a real asset to the council, going above and beyond expectations to keep our communities neat and tidy. They've been a brilliant success story, especially this time of the year when overgrowth can be a problem in some areas.

"The work the CWOT teams do to spruce up neighbourhoods makes everyone feel better about the place where they live and encourages others to play their part too by not dropping litter or leaving dog mess behind when they're out with their pet."

He added: "The CWOT initiative is all part of the Council's £2m a year commitment to tackling litter and fly-tipping in our neighbourhoods. Local councillors are our eyes and ears for the CWOT initiative, and the feedback so far has been very positive."

If you think there's an area in your ward the CWOT can assist with then let your local councillor know so that they can submit the work to the team for completion on their next visit.

You can find a list of your local councillors here.