Residents calls for cleaner, greener and safer streets have been answered with the arrival of a new direct action council service.<br><br>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.<br><br>The ART teams will 'blitz' problem areas to tackle graffiti, fly-posting and fly-tipping as well as dealing with specific one-off jobs.<br><br>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.<br><br>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. <br><br>"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.<br><br>"The ARTs will make a swift and visible difference. To report a problem, call Contact Islington on 020 7527 2000."<br><br>ENDS
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009