Council to clear more than 600 tonnes of fallen leaves across borough
More than 600 tonnes of leaves are set to be cleared from local streets as the council steps up efforts to prevent blocked drains and flooding.
By Nub News
More than 600 tonnes of fallen leaves are due to be cleared from roads, pavements and public spaces across Cheshire West and Chester.
The council’s annual leaf clearance operation will run through autumn and winter, using mechanical and manual sweepers. Work will focus on areas with large numbers of mature trees, places where leaves have become wet and compacted, and known flood-risk hotspots.
Fallen leaves can block road drains and highway gullies, increasing the risk of standing water and localised flooding during heavy rain. The council’s highways service maintains about 85,000 highway gullies across the borough, with extra drainage work taking place during the autumn.
Residents may see two of the council’s compact sweepers, named Leafborghini and Taylor Sweep, during the operation.
Councillor Stuart Bingham said teams would work throughout the season to keep roads and pavements clear, improve safety and help prevent drainage problems caused by leaf fall.
He also urged people to take extra care when walking on wet or compacted leaves, particularly after windy weather.
Residents are being asked to clear leaves from road gullies and highway drains where it is safe to do so. The council has warned people not to blow or sweep leaves onto roads, pavements or other parts of the public highway, as this can create hazards and cause further blockages.