Residents calls for cleaner, greener and safer streets have been answered with the arrival of a new direct action council service.
Area Response Teams (ART) will work alongside existing waste collection, sweeping and enforcement teams to improve the quality of the street environment for all residents.
The ART teams will 'blitz' problem areas to tackle graffiti, fly-posting and fly-tipping as well as dealing with specific one-off jobs.
And a new Enviro Crime Unit will tackle the twin menaces of vandalism and property damage which a recent British Crime Survey revealed were among the two most serious anti-social behaviour issues affecting people's quality of life.
Lucy Watt, Executive Member for Environment, Islington Council said "Environmental crime has a huge impact on local communities and on how residents feel about the area they live in. It ruins public spaces and is expensive to clean up.
"Residents tell us that a clean and tidy environment is a priority and improves the perception of the borough as a place to work and enjoy living in.
"The ARTs will make a swift and visible difference. To report a problem, call Contact Islington on 020 7527 2000."
ENDS
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008