Glasgow residents asked to clean up fallen leaves to support council teams

Glasgow residents are being asked to clean up autumn leaves to help support council cleansing teams.

The issue of fallen leaves was raised as the council’s winter maintenance plan to grit and salt roads, footpaths and cycleways was approved.

The proposals which will be in place for 2024/25, include the NCN 75, which extends from Cambuslang to the Riverside Museum and Festival Park, and extra cycle lanes that sit next to the existing priority one carriageway route.

This winter, the South City Way extension, Connecting Battlefield, Avenues, and Clyde Street segregating cycle lanes will also be added.

During the environment and liveable neighbourhoods committee, councillors praised the decision to grit more cycle paths but raised concerns about the amount of leaves falling on the ground during the autumn weather.

Residents are being asked to help clean up fallen leaves STV News

Councillor Franny Scally said: “It is good news to hear that cycle lanes are going to be gritted because I know quite a lot of people in my community who take part in active travel and cycle will feel a lot safer with the gritting and the two additional bridges.

“There are leave issues at this time of year where they block the drains. I have been trying to get my head around the leaves fall for the last 12 years.

“By the time December comes around, all the leaves have fallen off the trees. I think we all need to make sure how we strategically during the autumn, get rid of the leaves and prepare for winter.

“It is good to know there is a winter maintenance programme. When the leaves fall, sometimes we get the mechanical sweepers in to help and we work with the housing associations.

“Are we still doing that?”

A council officer confirmed that “deep cleans” take place throughout the city and that the councils are happy to work with the housing associations to clean up the streets.

They said: “If they are looking for any support as well we would be looking to assist them where possible.

“There is good information online which shows you how to safely uplift leaves in and around your own property so you are not putting yourself in any danger.”

Councillor Elaine McSporran added: “I also live in an area that is full of trees and we had officers there, it would be a 24/7 job so I think encouraging people to be part of that winter maintenance programme where everyone can do a wee bit can help and that will help our team.”