A battalion of teams from Calderdale Council hit the streets of the Upper Calder Valley last week for three Days of Action, aimed at enhancing the area’s safety, cleanliness, and environmental quality, as well as preparing for winter.
From picking up litter to conducting road safety assessments, the teams focused on the most crucial aspects that have the greatest impact on local communities.
The Days of Action received support from local volunteers and partner organisations. They were strategically scheduled to coincide with Bonfire Night and the onset of colder weather.
Day one, on Wednesday 18th October, was centred in Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd, and Luddendenfoot. Day two, on Thursday 19th October, covered Sowerby Bridge, Ripponden, and Rishworth. The third day, on Friday 20th October, was dedicated to Todmorden.
This initiative is part of an ongoing series of Days of Action that will extend across the entire borough in the coming months. The Council began with the Upper Valley due to its heightened flood risk, especially with the onset of wetter weather and ongoing preparations. This proved to be timely, as Storm Babet struck on the final day.
Teams from various departments within the Council undertook a wide range of tasks. These included clearing litter and illegal dumping, eradicating graffiti, cleaning drainage systems, weeding, trimming overgrown vegetation, inspecting licensed establishments such as pubs and food outlets, conducting vehicle speed checks, addressing illegal parking, verifying compliance with planning applications, and visiting vacant homes to identify any issues.
Cllr Jenny Lynn, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, said; “Thank you to all the hardworking staff and volunteers for their amazing work throughout the Days of Action, which included preparing for and braving strong winds and heavy rain during Storm Babet, and working from early morning to midnight.
“The work that they did – and continue to do all year round – is so important for local people’s quality of life across Calderdale, and we’ve had great feedback from the public. By tackling the issues that blight our communities, we can achieve our priorities of thriving towns and places, reduced inequalities and climate action.
“We can all play our part in protecting our distinctive borough and keeping it as clean, safe and tidy as we can.”
The Community Protection Team is at the heart of the Council’s commitment to protecting local people and the environment, and does engagement, education and enforcement work all year round.
As well as their proactive work, they also act on issues that blight communities and put people at risk – from preventing anti-social behaviour and keeping Calderdale clean and tidy, to holding businesses to account and taking action when they fail to uphold their responsibility to protect the public and the environment.
