A NEW initiative to clean up Bromsgrove could see the district council invest more than £3 million on street cleaning and rubbish collection equipment.

Plans have been put in place to spend the money on sweepers, refuse trucks and recycling bins over a ten-year cycle. The annual cost of running the improved service would rise by about £450,000, costing taxpayers around £13 per home. Street cleansing is also being targeted in the initiative, with funding being put in place for the replacement of two large mechanical road sweepers, and the purchase of five new mini-sweepers.

Councillor Brian Fuller (Con-Hillside), who has responsibility for environmental health, believes that a proper strategy and regular investment are essential if the service is going to improve.

"If we are going to make the town look nicer than it has been, it is going to need a proper strategy," he said.

With funding for brand-new equipment, the annual cost of updating it, and the direct employment of 124 workers to operate the services, the proposed expenditure on the project has been estimated at around £3.9m.

"We've got the money in the bank so we are going to use it," said Cllr Fuller.

"It is going to require regular expenditure for replacing equipment, it is an ongoing project.

"We are going to set aside money every year for replacement vehicles and equipment.

"That way, we can always keep on top of the replacement fund, so we can purchase vehicles, when needed, over a ten year cycle."