Wolverhampton City Council's Love Your Community: Neighbourhood Team has completed its first six months of work since launching in January. The dedicated taskforce has visited 98 streets across the city and delivered more than 85,000 metres of targeted cleaning.

Work carried out includes sweeping, litter picking and weed removal. The team has swept 160,000 metres of road, pressure washed 640 metres of surfaces and cut back 10,350 metres of vegetation.

Staff have also spoken with 156 businesses during their visits. More than 100 referrals have been made on behalf of residents to council services and partners in response to concerns raised during team visits.

How the team was expanded

The council launched the initiative in late January with a single taskforce. A second team was added in March to focus on cleaning and improving the main arterial routes into Wolverhampton.

Neighbourhood Team members are made up of council staff from a range of different services. Projects are supported by partners from Wolverhampton Homes.

Areas visited so far

City areas covered include All Saints, Bilston South, Blakenhall, Bushbury South, East Park, Ettingshall North, Fallings Park, Graiseley, Heath Town, Low Hill, Oxley, Penn, St Peters and Wednesfield North. Wards due to be visited over the coming weeks include Bilston North, Blakenhall and Park.

Areas are prioritised based on feedback from local residents and councillors. Residents are notified in advance and given the chance to highlight what needs targeting when the team are on site.

What work is being done

Activities include clearing problem litter spots, removing weeds, cleaning signs, manual and mechanical sweeping, painting and installing planters. The team also encourages community and volunteering opportunities.

The targeted work is being carried out in addition to the council's existing programme of activity and is a direct response to feedback from residents and local councillors.

What happens next

Love Your Community: Neighbourhood Team is a 12-month pilot project. Activity will continue during the next six months to enhance the appearance of local streets and open spaces and increase pride and engagement.

Councillor Qaiser Azeem, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said the team has had a significant impact and seen an extremely positive response from communities.