A new initiative has been launched to help clean up Spalding.
Pride in Spalding has been launched by the town’s Business Improvement District (BID).
It says it is providing more funding for patrols of the town centre as well as trialling a dedicated cleansing and maintenance team.
The Spalding Neighbourhood Board, in charge of BID, announced last week it had appointed South Holland firm SLS UK to carry out patrols of the town centre while South Holland District Council appoints more wardens.
Sarah Fletcher, the manager of Spalding BID, says the initial patrols have been a success and that they’ve also been tasked with identifying ‘grot spots’ where a ‘dedicated cleansing and maintenance team’ can tidy if the district council is unable to.
“The first week of the patrols has been amazing,” Sarah said. “They’ve moved a lot of people on from where they were loitering and the reports have been that the vast majority have been very respectful.
“The one thing we hear most from businesses, residents and volunteers is that they want the town to be cleaner.
“That’s why we’re trialling the maintenance company if the wardens see grot spots or areas of graffiti or weeds.
“We’re very mindful that some of that is the council’s responsibility so we’re looking to align that alongside that rather than replace it.
“The maintenance company will be for jobs in the Spalding BID area however, while the district council is still for the whole area.
When announcing the SLS patrols, the Spalding Neighbourhood Board said: “They will operate for four hours per day, six days per week, with staggered start and finish times and as part of their role, patrol staff will introduce themselves to businesses within the BID area and provide an approachable, visible presence in the town for members of the public.”
Spalding BID is also encouraging people to share their experiences of anti-social behaviour in the town.
“If you spot anti-social behaviour, business crime, fly-tipping, graffiti or any areas within the BID area that need attention, please let us know,” a BID spokesman said “By reporting issues, you are helping us work together to keep Spalding clean, welcoming and safe for everyone.”
BID is asking to report them via its Hello Spalding, by email [email protected] or through its website.
