A “deep clean” of Govanhill public streets and back courts completed by city council cleansing workers has left the area tidier and more pleasant to live in, it has been claimed.

GMB convenor Chris Mitchell praised the work of his members who work in various council departments for their hard work and commitment in helping to reduce the amount of fly tipping and litter dumped on the streets of Govanhill.

It was previously reported on the trade union’s campaign to help improve the environmental conditions of the Southside community which the GMB claimed was impacting public health and safety. 

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(Image: Back lanes in Govanhill)

Chris Mitchell said that despite working “tirelessly” to improve conditions over the last six months, results have only become more noticeable in the last two or three weeks. 

He said: “Street cleansing has been fantastic as our staff are getting overtime and there has been a steady flow in road sweepers and the team from Polmadie are doing a fantastic job.

“The commitment that we have seen has been brilliant, people who live there are starting to see a difference and it is changing people’s behaviour when it comes to disposing of rubbish.

“This is a good news story for Govanhill and that should reflect in different communities. That’s why it is imperative that we continue to fund street cleansing.  “We’ve got the street sweepers in, the rapid response team in and there has been a deep clean of Govanhill and what a difference it has made.

“There has been steady progress made over the last six months or so and that should be reflected everywhere. It just shows when you start making a difference, people will start listening to you and changing their habits as they have the opportunity to have a nice clean environment.”

Chris has also highlighted the need for the same level of staffing to continue to be made available in Govanhill so the area doesn’t fall back into the same state as before. 

He went on: “There is still a bit of progress to be made but it is far better than it was and I want to pay credit to the workers that are doing it now.  “We want to continue to work with the public and I think they are beginning to realise now that a clean environment is a good environment. It is a bit more upbeat and people are starting to smile now.

“We have done an exceptional job in Govanhill and that should be reflected across the city.  “Making sure that residents and commercial units don’t revert back to their old ways and dump their rubbish onto the streets will be a challenge.  “It took us around six months to clean up Govanhill and if fewer members of staff are available it will take two weeks to go back to where it was – that is how easy it can turn.”

Glasgow City Council says credit must go to the teams who have organised and seen the recent programme of work in the area through.

A spokesperson said: “Our teams have faced a number of challenges in the Govanhill area in recent years, including in relation to street cleansing.

“We have been working hard to tackle these challenges and it’s encouraging that the progress we’ve made has not gone unnoticed.

“Credit must go to all the teams who have organised and delivered the recent work programme for the area.

“Our street cleansing operation has recently been strengthened and we now have budget for a 470-strong team to support communities across the city.

“We will continue to target our resources as effectively and as efficiently as possible and to assist our teams, we urge residents and visitors to dispose of their waste appropriately at all times.”