Barrow workers: the unsung heroes of street cleansing

Walking over 20,000 steps a day, the barrow workers spend their days making sure our borough is as clean as it can be. Armed with their wagon, known as a barrow, and a range of tools they are fully equipped to make the streets a better place for everyone.

A team of six, they’re not a huge group, but they’re making a big difference. Chris Wright has been with the team since May last year as part of the Green and Clean initiative and loves being able to make a difference to the local community. Dave Hall has been with the Council 18 years and is glad to be doing a job that’s keeping him active.

The pair start their days at 6am, spending the first three hours in hotspot areas such as the town centres and Freeman Street. After, they move on to what is known as “round work” cleaning numerous streets across many wards.

“It’s such an active role, I’ve walked over 16,000 steps just this morning,” said Dave. “I just love being in the outdoors.” The role also allows them to have a real positive impact in their home towns. Chris said: “It’s nice to know we’re making a difference in the place we live.”

However, it’s not just about litter picking. Sometimes the team will be asked to help clear fly-tipping including abandoned sofas and fridges. “All those kinds of items are taken to the tip to be recycled - which is great. They’re being disposed of properly and they’re also off the streets,” said Chris.

“My favourite part is seeing what a positive difference we’re making. Looking back and seeing a clean, tidy street makes you feel happy about the job you’re doing.”

Dave added: “We’re also very grateful for all the praise we get from the public. People have even come up to us in the past and told us that what we’re doing is a real benefit to the area.”

It’s now hoped that the work of barrow workers like Chris can be continued thanks to the recent decision by the Council to continue funding the Green and Clean project. This focuses on six key wards across the area and funded the employment of four barrow men, including Chris, to help reduce the amount of litter.

Councillor Henry Hudson, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Net Zero, is thrilled with the invaluable work this group have been carrying out. “Their efforts have been instrumental in reducing littering by 30% in our six target wards and they should be very proud of that.

“The work of our Street Cleansing teams often goes unnoticed, but they are essential for keeping the area in a fit state and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them for the work they do.”