WORKING...ENVIRONMENT
The Labour Group realises the importance of the local environment to the people of Middlesbrough and has taken a number of measures to upgrade, improve and maintain your area.
Recycling
A recycling initiative was introduced, with over 40,000 boxes recently delivered to residents to recycle bottles and cans. In addition, five glass bins have been installed in the town centre to recycle glass and bottles.
Cleaner
The Council has undertaken a sustained litter blitz to make the town cleaner and tidier - this will continue. Measures such as dog control orders and fines for litter-droppers have made a big impact. The Council won a 'Green Hero Award' in 2005 for its work in reducing litter, deterring identity theft (by offering cut price electrical shredders) and eliminating fly-tipping.
The state of the cleanliness of the roads is measured, as with all councils, according to Government standards. Three years ago 40% of streets were deemed unsatisfactory in terms of litter and cleanliness. This has fallen dramatically and the latest figures are below 20%. There is still a way to go, but we are heading in the right direction and will continue to work hard to reduce the amount even further.
In addition, the Council will fine supermarkets between £110 and £130 per supermarket trolley that is found dumped. This is designed to end the situation where 1,300 trolleys are found abandoned in becks, footpaths, cycleways and back alleys over an average month.
A high-profile Respect Open Spaces Squad has been created to make our open spaces cleaner and greener. The 14-strong Squad began work in July 2006, aiming to ensure that prominent and well-used public areas look their best all year round through measures such as litter-picking, emptying bins, planting and grass-cutting. Meanwhile a Business Recycling Efficiency and Waste project has been set up to cut down on the amount of waste fly-tipped by business, enforce measures and mount education campaigns.
Greener
Environmental action to create sustainable communities has seen £5.5m spent of projects since 2000, including upgrading Riverside Park, Carter Park and Easterside, as well as smaller projects at Beechwood Primary School, Acklam Grange, Thorntree and Grove Hill.
There have been major face-lifts for Stewart Park and Albert Park and a green spaces consultation strategy has been launched. Roundabouts and highways have benefited from more flowerbeds. In addition, in August 2006 our three biggest parks - Albert, Stewart and Pallister - were all awarded with prestigious, nationally-recognised, Green Flag symbols of excellence.
Air quality
A study in August 2006 found that Middlesbrough's air was fresher and cleaner than the majority of places in the region, beating the likes of Newcastle, York, Scarborough and even Windsor, Chelsea and Kensington. In terms of climate change, the Council's Community Action Plan won a Global Award in 2005 and this has been replicated across the Tees Valley.
Climate Change
The Council is actively involved in pioneering energy-saving technology and alternative fuels. Hydrogen fuel cells are being tested and a Tees Valley consortium is in place. A demonstration hydrogen fuel cell is underway at Acklam Chapel and Natures World in Middlesbrough have demonstration geothermal wind energy and solar energy systems. The Council itself is using biodiesel fuel in its cars, running electric hybrid vehicles, giving energy-saving advice to householders and, alongside a number of agencies, has helped to distribute more than 2,000 low-energy light bulbs across the town. All this has helped Middlesbrough to reduce its CO2 emissions by more than 30,000 tonnes over the past three years.