Bradford Council will make savings on cleaning streets full of litter

The Labour-led council is under financial pressure and has tabled 47 cuts proposals in a bid to close the gap by 2025/2026.

Councilor Brendan Stubbs, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the council, said the cuts to frontline services would not be accompanied by cuts to major projects.

He said: “The success rate for these so-called regeneration schemes is quite poor, given the understaffed One City Park, delays at Darley Street Market and at least another year of waiting for Bradford Live to open.

‘People are fed up with Labour’s empty promises, while things outside their front door are getting worse.

“Street sweeping is not just about cleaning, it is about pride and a sense of safety on the streets.

“Dirty, broken and litter-strewn streets increase fear and encourage vandalism.”

Councilor Sarah Ferriby, responsible for this policy area, said: “It’s not about shifting the burden to community groups because we already have committed people who are passionate about their area.”

She said the changes would make the service more efficient.

Ms Ferriby also said that while there are “no plans” to make waste pickers redundant, there may be vacancies that are not filled.

“It’s the same in every major city, but the council has always encouraged people not to leave their rubbish behind,” she said.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Soundsstay up to date with the latest news episode of Kijk Noord or tell us a story you think we should have cover here, external.