Banbury town centre set for extra weekend street cleaning as part of £21,500 trial

The £21,500 trial has been funded through Cherwell District Council’s Local Area Development Fund and follows a recommendation from the Banbury Area Oversight Group.

Beginning earlier this month, the trial consists of additional weekend cleaning hours and two deep-clean events and will run until March 2027.

It is the first phase of the Banbury town centre revitalisation “Look and Feel” project, which aims to enhance the town centre’s appearance.

The programme has also been designed to improve the experience of visitors and businesses in the town centre and support the town’s economic vitality.

Cllr Lesley McLean, leader of the council, said: “This additional investment will help improve the look and feel of Banbury town centre at some of its busiest times, particularly at weekends and during the run-up to Christmas.

“The scheme has been developed following feedback from local councillors and stakeholders through the Banbury Area Oversight Group, and I am pleased that we are now able to begin this trial.

“We will be monitoring the results closely over the coming months as part of our wider ambitions to enhance and support the town centre.”

The project was unanimously recommended by district councillors attending the Banbury Area Oversight Group meeting in June.

Residents are expected to see improvements in cleanliness, a reduction in litter and a more attractive town centre.

Cllr Ian Middleton, portfolio holder for housing and greener communities, said: “Keeping Banbury town centre clean, welcoming and attractive is a real team effort. Our street cleansing crews work incredibly hard throughout the year, often behind the scenes, and they are supported by a range of community organisations, businesses and local partners who all take pride in the town.

“By investing in cleaner public spaces, we are making positive choices today that help safeguard our district for future generations and contribute to our vision of a greener, cleaner and more sustainable Cherwell.

“We can also all help to keep our public spaces clean and tidy by ensuring we dispose of litter responsibly into the bins provided. This reduces the workload on our staff and demonstrates civic pride in our high streets and shared spaces.”

Cllr Kieron Mallon, who attended and spoke at the Banbury Area Oversight Group in March, also welcomed the decision but said it came months after he and fellow councillors first suggested it.

He said: “Well, it’s better late than never. When the Conservatives proposed this in February, the ruling Lib Dems, supported by Labour and the Greens, voted against it.

“The amendment was fully costed, as the council’s finance team confirmed in writing. It was financially pro rata for Banbury, the same as the funding the Lib Dems have now found in the coffers.

“I welcome the Executive’s journey along the road to Damascus. If only they had taken our advice earlier, this scheme would have been in place six months ago.

“I thank the business and civic groups on the Oversight Committee who backed the proposal.”