Borough’s beaches to be combed under new waste contract

October 11, 2015 by Southend Borough Council

Borough’s beaches to be combed under new waste contract

Friday 9 October 2015

A new beach-cleaning machine is being introduced into the Borough to help keep Southend’s seven miles of beach in top condition.

The beach cleaner – which is imported from the US and is towed by a tractor - is being introduced as a new service by the Council’s new Recycling, Waste and Street-cleansing contractor, Veolia, and is the first time such a machine has been used in the Borough.

It will comb the sands of the Borough’s busiest beaches between the end of March and the beginning of October, removing litter and weed and enhancing the condition of the beach.

Councillor Martin Terry, Executive Member for Public Protection, Waste & Transport, said: “Southend boasts seven miles of award-winning beaches and attracts over six million visitors a year.

“This new service by Veolia will enhance the quality of the beaches and seawater and more efficiently deal with any litter, particularly in the summer season when visitor numbers are at their highest.

“This will bolster our image as a quality seaside destination, enable us to compete better with other resorts and encourage visitors to keep on coming back.”

Veolia took over the Council’s recycling, waste and street-cleansing services on Monday (5 October 2015).

The new contract, which is for 15½ years, will enhance and extend Southend’s recycling, waste and street cleansing services while saving around £22m over the lifetime of the contract.