Huddersfield is kept scrupulously clean, with local authority prioritising street cleansing, graffiti removal and street scene maintenance. So much so that when I stray across them big 'ills into Oldham et al I am immediately aware of the amount of graffiti. Kirklees have been big exponents of Street Scene as a concept. If a place looks tidy and well kept, folk feel safer and more comfortable. The "broken window syndrome" is well known phenomenon. The sight of graffiti, boarded shop fronts and litter-strewn streets makes people think that no one is taking responsibility or "in charge", (as in if they can't get the little things right, then no one is in control.) It's approached on a partnership basis, with street and community rangers and wardens, PCSOs and Neighbourhood cops all working towards reporting and tackling the environment. The concept stretches to housing areas too, with a requirement for all social housing landlords to tackle unkempt gardens, and even house frontages where appropriate. The Streetscene Directorate is also linked to housing, so it all dovetails.
https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/you-kmc/yourCouncil/place.aspx
Streetscene and Housing
Assistant Director: Kim Brear
Provides a responsive, integrated street based service which results in attractive, vibrant towns and neighbourhoods and which contributes to economic competitiveness and success of communities and individuals.
- Highways (except transport planning, development control and car parks)
- Streetscene:
- Refuse collection
- Waste disposal
- Street cleaning
- Centralised transport
- Parks and grounds maintenance
- Landscape architects
- Streetscene Action Team (rangers and dog wardens)
- Police community support officers
- Bereavement services
- Routine enforcement
Involving and engaging communities in the provision of high quality neighbourhoods and effective local services.
- Strategic Housing - lead on housing strategy development and implementation, including the Housing Solutions/Option Service and Adaptation Service
- Management of the Housing Revenue Account and the relationship/performance management of Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing
