Tower Hamlets parks are greener and cleaner than ever

Parks and green spaces in the London borough of Tower Hamlets are now greener than they have ever been, according to the local council, which has conducted a large scale operation to bring the areas up to the highest possible standard.

The operation has been carried out by Tower Hamlets Council’s Green Team, which is responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of the borough’s 160 parks and open spaces.

According to the council, the summer has been a busy one, with the parks well used during the sunny weather and the green team employed to ensure that they have been looking clean, attractive and a safe place for park users and local residents.

The team's duties include cutting grass, maintaining flower beds and watering them, unlocking and closing the park gates, and checking play structures for damage, as well as providing specialist care of the bowling greens around the borough.

The council has now directly employed the team, which it says has resulted in a "flexible and efficient service" that can be deployed across the borough to deal with any issues that arise, in addition to carrying out routine maintenance.

This task was previously carried out through contracts with external companies but has now been brought much closer to home, said Lutfur Rahman, Mayor of Tower Hamlets.

He added: "The parks in Tower Hamlets are important to all who live and work in the borough. The work of the Green Team makes sure that the parks are a great place to visit."

Councillor Shahed Ali, cabinet member for the environment, said that the role is an important one as it helps to keep the open spaces attractive for locals and visitors alike.

He concluded: "The Green Team do a wonderful job of keeping the parks and open spaces looking amazing and clean. The efficiencies achieved through having an in-house team are vital in these times of austerity."

Published 19th September, 2013

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