Assemblies Keeping Sheffield Spick and Span

12.00.00am GMT Mon 25th Jan 2010

Lib Dems on Sheffield City Council have revealed figures which show Community Assemblies, the seven local area boards made up of local councillors setup by the Liberal Democrats, are proving invaluable in keeping Sheffield spick and span. As a result of every Community Assembly investing in extra environmental teams, over 100 extra job requests have been tackled in just three months.

Extra work, over and above the normal jobs done by Streetforce, include tidying up flower beds, cutting back weeds and overhanging branches, cleaning up grot-spots, clearing leaves and unblocking drains.

Cllr David Baker, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: "This kind of example is exactly the reason why the Liberal Democrats setup Community Assemblies in the first place. By moving power and budgets away from the Town Hall local communities and their councillors can take action on their priorities, such as keeping their area spick and span."

The Neighbourhood Environmental Action Teams (NEATs) respond to requests from the public. They consist of a Supervisor, a pick-up and up to 4 young people on a work introduction scheme. The young people involved have usually been out of work for a long period or have not gained employment since leaving school. They receive placements for up to 3 months and are introduced to the disciplines of regular working and environmental maintenance. Approximately 35% of them have secured permanent jobs after leaving the scheme.

David added "Not only does this work improve the environment, it also provides valuable job opportunities for young people. This really is a fantastic example of how the Liberal Democrat policy of creating Community Assemblies is making a real difference.

"If anyone wants action in their local area on cleaning up grot-spots or cutting back weeds just call the Council on (0114) 273 4567 and we'll try our best to help."