New technology aims to make Carlisle cleaner

(Date of issue: Monday, 10 November 2008)

A new litter busting machine that aims to combat the problem of debris and litter on Carlisle streets, will go on show this afternoon (Monday, 10 November at 2pm).

Carlisle City Council is one of the first local authorities to sign-up to the machinery that can be used to clear away rubbish from under cars and gutters.

Three machines have been bought by the City Council at a cost of around £5,000.

Cllr Ray Bloxham, Portfolio holder for Environment and Infrastructure will get to see first hand this afternoon (2pm) how the machines works, when he gets a demonstration outside the Civic Centre.

Cllr Ray Bloxham said:

"In the past our Area Maintenance teams have experienced problems cleaning busy city centre streets, as cars are parked on the highway. The new machine combats this problem by using a suction hose attached to street cleaner barrow to pick up the litter from underneath the cars.

"We are one of the first councils to use this new technology, as we aim to make our city cleaner, greener and safer."

The new machines are one of many initiatives put in place by Carlisle City Council. A public awareness campaign - Carlisle…cleaner than ever – is ongoing and enforcement officers have made frequent visits to the city centre to warn visitors of the Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act legislation. They also visited schools, community events and Neighbourhood Forums to spread the word.

Bus advertising, lamppost banners, posters, flyers and other promotional material were been placed around the city to make residents aware of the new powers.

As part of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act, enforcement officers can issue a minimum £50 fine to people who drop litter, fly-tip, spray graffiti, fly-post, distribute flyers or leaflets, or fail to clean up their dog’s mess. Any resident wanting to report enviro-crime should contact the City Council on 01228 817200 or text the City Council on 07624 803992.