THE streets of Huddersfield are to be given a big clean-up.
In a bid to brighten up the town, local councillors will patrol more than 60 streets in the town centre over the next few months.
The idea is that they will view them from a 'lay person's' perspective to see how the appearance of the town could be improved in the run-up to Christmas.
The first pavement walk, which began yesterday morning, was led by Clr John Smithson, Huddersfield town centre manager Cathy Burger, and Huddersfield town centre co-ordinator William Pearson.
Clr Smithson said: "This initiative is all part of pride in Huddersfield and keeping it clean.
"It is something we are taking extremely seriously and are hoping it is something in which the community will join us.
"We are planning to do this once every two months. After all, with more than 60 streets to examine, we have a lot of ground to cover!"
The main aim will be to get rid of offensive graffiti and rubbish, repair any damage to pavements and fixtures, and ensure the areas patrolled are kept clean and tidy.
Clr Smithson hopes the impeccable standards will be upheld in the future.
"The appearance of a town centre gives an indelible image of the town as a whole. We want to ensure that the image of Huddersfield is very positive, and welcoming to all its visitors."
The walks will be undertaken by a rota of councillors from the Joint Huddersfield Area Committees Town Centre Sub-group.
Clr Smithson added: "I am very optimistic about this new approach. If we are seen by the community to be doing something active and show we have a genuine interest in restoring the cleanliness of the town, then hopefully we will be taken more seriously and have a great impact on the people of Huddersfield."
He said he also believed that the influx of visitors coming to the town each year would improve dramatically with the help of the initiative.
"People enjoy going to a nice, clean, attractive place so I feel very confident that this clean-up will boost the number of visitors.
"We want people to visit the town and enjoy the experience and I am sure a clean environment will help ensure that."
