Street sweeper with barrow returns

Herefordshire Council and its contracting partner Amey have responded to concerns from members of the public and has brought back a street sweeper with a mobile barrow to cover the High Town area of Hereford.

Visitors and shoppers enjoying Hereford's new-look High Town, which has extra seating and areas for eating and drinking outside, had complained to the council that their enjoyment of the area was being marred by fumes and dust coming from the mechanical street sweeper.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "Having spent £2m on improving High Town, it is important that the public can fully enjoy the new facilities.

"Bringing back a street sweeper using a mobile barrow will ensure High Town is an even nicer place to visit," he added.

The new street sweeper is Timothy O'Toole who is employed by Amey and his service is supported daily by the mechanical sweeper.

He said: "The reaction from the public has been really positive and many people have stopped me to say how nice it is to have this more personal service.

"They are also saying how much more pleasant it is to sit and enjoy High Town now without the constant dust and fumes from the mechanical sweeper," he added.