Gullies clean-up back on track

11.28.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 3rd Oct 2008

OLDHAM Council has added a third gully cleaner to its existing fleet to help in tackling a backlog of work.

Due to increased rainfall and silt deposits over the years, as well as the build-up of rubbish, the number of gullies requiring cleaning has increased.

The council aims to clean the 43,000 gullies in Oldham once a year, and on average clears 200 gullies a day.

The new cleaner will allow the backlog to be tackled quicker and more efficiently.

The vehicle will operate in areas such as Glodwick, upper Shaw, Denshaw and the Shaw Road estate where gullies have not been cleaned for more than 12 months.

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: "The number of cleaners operating in Oldham was cut from two to one by the previous administration, so the council could only act reactively to any problem with the gullies.

"Thanks to extra resources put in place by the new administration, the council is able to begin tackling the backlog that has built up.

"Now with this third vehicle we will be able to remove the backlog completely.

"Once this is done we will be in a much better position to keep the gullies clear and act in a more proactive manner."

oldham chronicle 3-9-08