Leaves cleared in £400k tidy up in Birmingham city centre

Leaf clearance services were cut back in 2014 by Birmingham City Council due to ‘austerity’ measures.

The council still carries out a programme to remove them at certain locations during the autumn.

They stated the extra funding would allow more of this to happen and quicker.

Council councillor Ian Ward said the authority had ‘listened very carefully’ to the views of residents.

The authority also provides bags and free pick-ups for residents who wish to go out and collect leaves themselves.

Councillor John O’Shea, cabinet member for street scene and parks, said: “I am pleased to be able to bring back leaf clearance, it was cut in 2014 as a result of the ongoing austerity.

“We know this is a big issue for the people of Birmingham and we will work hard to keep our streets clean.”

The funding is expected to be formally approved with the rest of the council’s budget later this month.