THE cleanliness of Ferndown’s streets is in a “dire” state, according to one of its councillors.

Speaking at a recent meeting of East Dorset District Council, Cllr George Russell said he had made a complaint to the Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP) about the issue.

He said the street cleaning service “left a lot to be desired” and questioned “how those responsible for the service can take any pride in their current procedures”.

Referring to an environment report presented to cabinet members, he said: “Although I, and any other fair-minded members and residents, would not condemn the council Waste Partnership for the litter the area must contend with - I blame this solely on the perpetrators – the general sweeping of streets and traffic islands leaves a lot to desired.

“Following a complaint by me to the Waste Partnership, I was informed the policy for street cleaning now seems to rely on an ‘on demand ‘service from either members or residents, rather than the previous policy of regular routes to give all residents a fair service.

“The general state of Ferndown is dire, and I do not understand how those responsible for this service can take any pride in their current procedures.”

Responding to the councillor’s concerns, Cllr Barbara Manuel, portfolio holder for environment, said more regular inspections would be carried out by the DWP to allow them to “target their crews into the areas where they are most needed”.

“The main roads are swept more frequently than the residential roads as the demand and traffic is more prominent on these roads. The residential roads are swept on a mixture of scheduled and responsive sweeps.

“The DWP supervisors inspect the streets whilst conducting their normal duties and identify areas that need attention. There are also seven staff carrying out litter picking and bin emptying who report in. DWP also respond to reports from residents and councillors as they are received.”

It was also revealed that public toilets in East Dorset are now being cleaned by DWP’s new cleaning contractor, Churchill Contract Services Ltd.

The company also cleans leisure centres and DWP’s offices.

Cllr Manuel said: “By using a specialist cleaning contractor we will achieve a higher standard of cleaning at a lower price.

“Now that the DWP are no longer cleaning the East Dorset public conveniences, more time will be spent on street cleaning duties,” she added.