As part of the local authority’s new street scene service, the council will be establishing five new place-based teams to manage the four towns and large villages across the region.

The changes are due to take effect from April and will involve the procurement of five new vans and specialist equipment to support teams in carrying out services that require rapid response, such as graffiti removal, as well as enabling them to clean road signs more regularly.

Partially backed by funds generated by the council’s sale of recycled materials, the move is part of the local authority’s wider investment in its neighbourhood services department.

Further jobs to be completed by the teams include additional cleaning of entrance points and routes into the Vale of Glamorgan, weed removal and leaf clearing, more frequent public toilet cleaning, and the reintroduction of dedicated town centre sweepers in Penarth, Cowbridge and Llantwit Major.

The new service will also see an increase in resources to help combat fly-tipping in Barry, as well as increased engagement and collaboration with town and community councils, local groups, charities, the Probation Service, Youth Offending teams, and litter picking volunteers.

Cllr Mark Wilson, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services, said: ‘I know the condition of our public spaces is a top priority for residents and many have been calling for more resources to be put into maintaining them.’

He added: ‘Led by residents, our excellent recycling performance has exceeded targets and helped fund this improved service through payments received for recycled waste.

‘After a period of sustained financial challenges, we are also now in a stronger position following a welcome settlement from Welsh Government and hard work from staff to transform the way services are delivered.’

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