A CHANGE in how the streets of Basingstoke and Deane are cleaned has led to the “detriment” of certain areas of the borough according to councillors.

In April Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council took the decision to change its cleaning service from 'broom and bin' to a mobile van service.

However, councillors have said since the change of service standards have slipped.

AT a full council meeting held last Thursday, a motion was put forward for the borough council to review the street cleaning service.

South Ham ward councillor Colin Regan tabled the motion, he said: “The streets have become dirty and unclean and this has been especially noticeable since the vans were introduced in April.

“Previously those street cleaners were faces on the streets that people know and could tell if there were issues.

“Now, there are places they can’t get to because the vans can’t get to them.”

Cllr Andy Konieczko, member for Brighton Hill North, said that when going around the area in the summer, the amount of litter in the area was a major concern for residents.

He said: “A review of the service and build upon them. There are some aspects of the service which are good, but we need to look at what can be done better.”

Winklebury ward councillor, Cllr Ruth Cooper added that because some areas of the ward weren’t being cleaned, she, along with a group of volunteers, has set up a litter pick in the area.

Cabinet member for environment and enforcement, Cllr Hayley Eachus said: “The service was reviewed in April due to health and safety issues with the pervious barrel service.

“The matter people are saying that the familiar faces have gone, it is still the same operators who operate these vans, it just makes their job more efficient.”

The service will be reviewed at a future Community, Environment and Partnerships Committee meeting.