Cherwell District Council’s executive has voted in favour of trialling extra weekend street cleaning and deep cleans as part of efforts to improve the appearance of Banbury town centre.

The trial, which is set to run from September until March, will see longer weekend shifts for existing street cleaning staff alongside deep-cleaning every quarter.

It forms part of the council's town centre revitalisation project, which aims to improve Banbury's appearance, attract more visitors and support the local economy.

The plans include increasing the hours worked by street cleaning team drivers and labourers on Saturdays and Sundays, introducing an additional three-hour street sweeper shift every Saturday morning and holding four deep-cleaning events a year involving 10 operatives working six-hour shifts.

Cherwell District Council's executive has voted in favour of trialling extra street cleaning in Banbury town centre.

placeholder image — Cherwell District Council's executive has voted in favour of trialling extra street cleaning in Banbury town centre.

According to the council, the plans have been discussed with the street cleaning service manager, who confirmed the additional work could be delivered using existing staff on a voluntary overtime basis.

The council expects the seven-month trial to cost around £21,500, but estimates the annual cost would rise to £38,500 if the scheme were introduced for a full year.

The trial would be funded through Local Area Development Funding, which has been established to invest in infrastructure, the local economy and community projects.

If fully approved, it will be the first project to receive funding through the council’s Local Area Development Fund.

Cherwell District Council's Executive and Area Oversight Group, which first proposed the additional cleaning, will monitor the trial to assess its success.

The proposals will now progress to a full business case, with funding, measurable outcomes and an operational delivery plan to be finalised before the trial can begin.

County and district councillor Kieron Mallon, who attended and spoke at the Area Oversight Group meeting said: “Town centres across the UK are struggling with the added Rachel Reeves anti-business and entertainment industry taxes and employment burdens.

“This proposal will not cure the ailment, but a town has to be clean to attract both start-up and small businesses and welcoming to prospective shoppers and those who use our excellent pubs and restaurants.

“I thank the business and civic groups on the oversight committee who backed the proposal.”