Dave Hodgson and the Lib Dems take action to protect local and wider environment as 40 tons of leaves are cleared from the streets

9.10.00am GMT Sat 14th Nov 2009

Following the intervention of Mayor Dave Hodgson, 40 tons of leaves cleared from Bedford Borough's streets will be composted, where previously they would have been sent to landfill

A Bedford Borough Council clean-up operation has seen 40 tons of leaves cleared from the streets over recent weeks, with the leaves being composted, rather than sent to landfill, for the first time following the intervention of Mayor Dave Hodgson.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: 'In just a few weeks we have collected and composted 40 tons of leaves that would previously have ended up in land fill. Leaves make a good soil conditioner and we are now ensuring that all the leaves collected by the council's in-house service provider DSD Contracting are composted. I have asked the portfolio holder, Councillor Charles Royden to ensure that the entire team is thanked for the work which is taking place and we must continue to build on this excellent start. Avoiding land fill taxes is an important part of our commitment to drive down council tax and protect the environment.'

Environment Portfolio Holder Councillor Charles Royden added: "This is great news. The Council works hard throughout the year to keep Bedford Borough clean. Our action in removing accumulated fallen leaves from roads and pavements helps prevent road gullies from becoming blocked, stops the build up of trapped litter and minimises the risk of people slipping. The annual task of clearing the streets falls to the dedicated cleansing teams which take on the task every year to keep Bedford Borough safe and clear."