Council brings re-leaf to the district
Three of the council’s team of workers, Sean Harper, Adam Kitchen, Matt Connolly.
LANCASTER City Council’s army of street sweepers are out in force keeping the district safe from an age old autumnal problem – leaf fall.
Every autumn the district’s highways and byways are covered by a seasonal fall of leaves from the district’s many trees.
While on the surface this may not seem to be a problem, a hidden danger lurks when the leaves become wet and slippery.
Left unchecked the leaves could become a slip hazard for pedestrians and even cars and in times of heavy rain leaves can also block gullies and gutters, preventing water from draining away.
The council’s leaf sweeping team, made up of 15 people, work on leaf clearance over a six week period in autumn, using shovels, leaf blowers and eight mechanised sweepers to clear away the masses of leaves across the district, whilst continuing their regular day to day duties.
During this period, the team can collect up to 100 tonnes of leaves, which are put to good use up at Williamson Park where they are turned into mulch.
Matt Connolly from City Council (Direct) Services, explained: “When we endure heavy rain during autumn, the water and leaves combined cause a slippery surface, which creates an unsafe place to walk or drive.
‘The main problem with the leaves is that, when on footpaths or on the road, it can cause people to slip and cars to skid. There is also the danger that they could cover road markings and, if they happen to form a blockage, can cause flooding.
“It’s a re-leaf when we’re finished!”
Date Published: 24/11/09