Alliance Newcastle Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed news that the cleaning of the granite footpaths and walkways in Newcastle will be carried out on a maintenance contract as opposed to an annual clean.

This should allow for the walkways to be cleaned after events rather than waiting for the annual clean to take place.

Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke stated: "Following continuous complaints from constituents I welcome that decision by Down District Council to appoint a contractor on a maintenance contract to clean the granite footpaths and walkways in Newcastle.

-- Advertisement --

"After speaking to Building and Estates Department staff, I can confirm that once the contractor is appointed, we can ask the contractor to clean specific areas of the granite pavements as opposed to the annual cleaning in Newcastle once a year.

"My concern has always been that an annual clean of the granite footpaths and walkways in Newcastle at a cost of over £20,000 was ineffective because of the infrequency of the cleaning.

"After events such as the upcoming Festival of Flight and World Fire and Police Games, Council officers have confirmed that they will be able to ask the appointed contractor to clean certain areas in Newcastle."

(CD/MH)