Merger could make Blackpool a cleaner town

Councillors have already approved the financial aspects of the move which will save £350,000 from this year’s budget, but are now being asked to formally agree the transfer of services.

Up to 160 staff from departments which also include staff from park operations, vehicle maintenance and the household tip are set to be integrated into Blackpool Waste Services, which is a wholly owned council company.

A report to the executive, which is being recommended to approve the merger when it meets on Monday, says it would enable improvements including to ensure the service meets stricter environmental targets in years to come.

Changes could include zoning street cleaning “allowing supervisors/managers to target a range of services within ‘their’ area as required rather than priorities at current town level”.

Street cleaners could work alongside bin lorry crews to collect surplus waste which sometimes overspills from bins causing litter problems, while operating hours could be reviewed so rubbish collections avoid peak traffic hours.

Technology could also be introduced to separate public litter bin waste such as metal, plastic and cardboard for recycling, including the large amounts of rubbish thrown away by visitors.

The report adds the company is “planning to undertake various trials and pilot schemes in relation to utilising new technology and different ways of working, which would be more effective and of greater impact if it included all waste related services, in raising environmental standards across the town. ”

It is also hoped a “more agile and multi-skilled labour pool” will be able to deliver a more flexible service.

In June 2015, Keep Britain Tidy was invited by the council to discuss a litter campaign for Blackpool with the aspiration to become the cleanest seaside resort in England by 2020.

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