Delivering waste and environmental services for Peterborough
This week is National Tree Week and also marks the start of our new tree planting season. This year we are aiming to plant over 3,000 trees! We will be planting a combination of standard trees and saplings across the city where we have unfortunately lost trees and in areas where we are looking to increase canopy coverage.
A state-of-the-art high pressure cleaning machine will be hitting the streets of Peterborough, helping to keep pavements, streets and walkways looking clean and tidy.
We’ve bought the Cityjet machine, which contains no chemicals and uses a high pressure jet of hot water to clean roads, pavements and street furniture from Peterborough-based Aebi Schmidt UK.
Councillor Marco Cereste, Peterborough City Council’s cabinet member for waste, said: “This type of machine is very effective at cleaning stone and paved surfaces like we have in Cathedral Square. It brings it up almost like new, so I’m looking forward to seeing it in action. The fact that the machines are chemical-free means we can be sure that no long-term damage is caused to any of our pedestrianised areas. We are fully committed to keeping our streets and public areas clean, for the well-being of our residents and visitors. I’m confident this new machine will prove a real asset for us.”
The Cityjet, which has a water capacity of 1,240 litres, will be mainly used in pedestrianised areas in the city centre but can be mobilised to other suitable areas if appropriate. It uses high pressurised jets of hot water – similar to a domestic pressure spray which you might use to clean a patio, but on a larger scale.
David Strachan, area sales manager for Aebi Schmidt UK, said the Cityjet 3000HP was perfect for cleaning away heavy stains and spillages in city centre areas, “Thanks to its twin boiler system, the Cityjet can produce water heated up to 90 degrees and can tackle even heavy duty stains and spills, such as oil and grease, to leave the area clean again – without having to resort to using chemicals of any kind”.
We are about to commence Autumn tree works as part of our role of planting and maintaining trees and woodland in the city. Night time works have already commenced to minimise highway vegetation encroachment on a selection of dual carriageways around the city. Work will then progress onto a number of shelterbelts throughout the city that require routine maintenance to keep them in good condition and to prevent them from becoming a problem to neighbouring properties or affecting the use of roads and paths.
A total of 500 trees have been ordered to be planted over the coming months within streets and opens spaces across the city. The first tree was planted today by Councillor Marco Cereste.
In addition, a programme of works will begin in Bretton Woods to manage this valuable ancient woodland within the heart of the city, following a consultation in the spring.
Councillor Marco Cereste, Peterborough City Council’s cabinet member for waste, street scene and the environment, said: “Trees are an important part of our neighbourhoods, providing habitat for birds and wildlife and absorbing harmful greenhouse gases. They also add visual appeal to our streets which is why it’s important that we invest in their health and longevity. The maintenance will allow for healthier trees and ensures our safety by removing identified hazards. The work at Bretton Woods, endorsed by the Wildlife Trust and approved by the Forestry Commission, will ensure the integrity of the woodlands are preserved and that the management continues to be on an ecologically sound and sustainable basis.”
If no management is undertaken it is likely that the woods will become too dangerous for public access and the character of the woods would change dramatically. More open conditions would see an increase in regeneration of non-native tree and plant species and a marked deterioration of wildlife habitats within the woods. Where trees are felled within the ancient woodland restocking will be undertaken to ensure woodland cover is preserved.
New drugs needle disposal boxes are being installed in locations across Peterborough to help crackdown on discarded drugs paraphernalia. The boxes, which are marked with stickers stating ‘sharps disposal’, have been installed in the following locations based on past data for needle find areas in the city.
Users are encouraged to make use of the boxes or go to a local pharmacy where drug users can return needles as part of a needle exchange programme.
Manor Farm Park in Eye has just been awarded its 7th consecutive prestigious Green Flag Award.
Councillor Mohammed Farooq, chair of Aragon Direct Services, which maintains the parks, added: “A Green Flag award marks out a park or open space as being of the highest quality. It is quite an honour and of course we will continue to maintain all our parks to the highest standards.Our parks not only provide a place for our children to play and families to enjoy, but also reduce the pollution in the city. They are the lungs of our city and have a huge impact on our health.”
Ten years ago Eye Open Space Group was awarded a £100,000 National Lottery Award to improve the park, this was followed by another £30,000 a couple of years later. The Group with help from Aragon Direct Services, Peterborough City Council along with Eye Residents have:
• Planted a New 1/3 of Acre Native Species Woodland– 1,000 trees, 9,500 bulbs, 600 woodland plants
• Planted a Hedgerow of 1,000 trees and a Community Orchard
• Planted a New Wildflower Meadow of a ¼ of an Acre with 40 species of Wildflowers and 10 Meadow grasses and created 3 wildlife ponds
The park is a favourite for the residents of Eye and a wildlife haven with its new woodland and children’s trim trail, wildlife ponds and a fabulously colourful wild flower meadow.
Three Peterborough parks have retained the prestigious Green Flag Award – Central Park, Itter Park and Manor Farm Park in Eye have all been confirmed as having retained the much sought-after honour.