WITH signs of spring all around us, the first of five teams of staff who will be undertaking small but important tasks to brighten up Gwynedd’s communities have begun their work.

Following a £1.5 million investment by Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet, the Timau Tacluso Ardal Ni (tidying teams) will start carrying out work in communities from Aberdyfi to Abergwyngregyn over the coming months.

The teams will undertake a variety of tidying tasks such as clearing pavements and signs, removing graffiti, tidying up verges, repairing and installing bins, dealing with fly tipping, weeding and removing chewing gum.

The work will to contribute to the aim of making Gwynedd’s communities clean and tidy in keeping with the wishes of local residents.

Councillor Catrin Wager, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Municipal, said:

“As part of the Ardal Ni 2035 public engagement work, we have received many messages from local people, organisations and groups about the importance of tidying-up their communities.

“We have listened carefully to this feedback and responded by earmarking £1.5 million to introduce the Timau Tacluso Ardal Ni teams. With this investment we will be employing new staff who will be working in communities across the county, together with specialist vehicles and equipment to carry out thorough tidying work.

“The teams will take action on what the people of Gwynedd want to see happen locally – things like painting benches, picking-up litter, weeding and cleaning signs. Small tasks like this can make all the difference to the look and feel of a street or community and the teams will help to ensure clean and tidy communities across Gwynedd.

“As the teams begin their work in earnest over the coming weeks, I’m confident that residents will see a real improvements as local streets and parks become tidier, and work begins in earnest to tackle untidy locations.

“What’s really different about this project compared to the work that’s happened in the past is that it is based on what the communities themselves want to see happening.

“Community pride in our local areas is something that affects all our lives. Everyone wants to live in an area that looks attractive and where they feel proud.

“That is the purpose of the Timau Tacluso Ardal Ni teams, that we as a Council work with local residents to ensure the best for Gwynedd’s communities.”

Over the coming months, the Council’s Timau Tacluso teams will be starting working in communities across Gwynedd.