South Wales Evening Post - 13 April 2007
Swansea sandwich shop owner Diane Bambridge is so fed up with dirty city streets she has taken to sweeping them herself.
Mrs Bambridge, who owns Buddy's sandwich bar, in Oxford Street, says the road is strewn with litter and claims Swansea Council is not doing enough to keep it clean. Each morning she has to take a broom to the street to make it presentable.
She said the state of the road was creating a bad impression and has called for the council's street cleaning teams to do more.
She said: "Every day I come to work at 6.30am so I can clean up outside the shop.
"It's always in an absolutely disgraceful state.
"We have been complaining about it for around 12 months, but it has not got any better.
"There are bin bags left out for days and I have to phone the council to complain before they are picked up.
"The street is a major thoroughfare into the city centre and it is not a very good advert for Swansea."
Mrs Bambridge wants more to be done to keep the city clean.
Her move follows calls from community councillors in Swansea who say they also want to see more cleaners on their streets.
She said: "I'm here all day long and I never see anyone cleaning the roads or the pavements. We're just by the main shopping area and it's disgusting.
"The mess and litter is dreadful."
Swansea Council has said keeping streets clean is one of its top priorities.
However, there have been growing public calls for more action to rid streets of litter.
Recent problem areas have included parts of Fabian Way and the Hafod by-pass. A council spokesman said Oxford Street was swept on a weekly basis.
However, he added the litter problem has been increased because of a trader in the area who is leaving bin bags on the street for days on end.
The council is considering legal action, but it must have enough evidence before launching a prosecution for fly -tipping.
"We are aware of some litter related problems near Oxford Street," said the spokesman.
"Work is currently underway which involves investigations into the cause of the problems.
"We will continue these investigations and will not hesitate to carry out enforcement action if required.
"Generally, Oxford Street within the city centre is cleaned seven days a week. Sections of Oxford Street outside of the city centre are also cleaned once a week."
Your Views
There's no doubt that Swansea is getting dirtier but perhaps if others followed Ms Bambridge example then things would improve.
Martin Sullivan, Skewen
It is not all the Council's fault. I used to run a business in Oxford Street and some of the traders dump rubbish out on the pavement any time of day. But I agree that there should be better enforcement.
Janice, Dunvant
I know that it is people who make a mess and not the council but I am fed up of hearing excuses. A bit more money spent on cleaning streets and a bit less on leisure centres and propaganda to sell off council houses would make a huge difference.
Malcolm, Morriston
Swansea's streets are a disgrace. I am embarrased to take visitors into town. We go to Neath instead which is smaller but much cleaner.
Pat, Llansamlet
I seem to remember that Swansea Council's ruling cabinet took a 20% pay cut to make sure that the streets were cleaned more effectively. Will they be getting a refund? We won't. My council tax just went up another £300 a year and for what?
J. Marshall, Swansea
