A GROUP of York traders have come together to clean up the street outside their shops.

Traders from Stonegate, together with street performer Purpleman, were unhappy with the mess left on the road so joined together to sweep up the rubbish.

Terry Brett, owner of the Pyramid Gallery, said he decided the businesses should clean up themselves.

He said: “Last week, in the middle of Easter, the street was full of cigarette ends and rubbish was flying around.

“I tried to contact the council but they just kept me on hold for seven minutes. So I got together some other shopkeepers and we swept.”

Mr Brett said he was pleased that the council cleaned the street after the traders’ first effort, saying: “They have taken notice and been more attentive and it was much better.”

Becca Dawson, assistant manager at The White Company London, agreed the road had improved and hopes the sweeping will be a regular occurrence.

“Keeping it all clean makes a massive improvement. I think we are thinking of doing it at least once a month or weekly,” she said.

But Mr Brett still hopes for more action from the council as he says the street has collected more mess since its last clean.

He added: “It is good they responded to the complaint, but we do definitely need more.”

His concerns were echoed by Iain Inglis, manager of Old Guys Rule, who does not think there is enough incentive for council workers to keep the street clean.

Aly Hashem, Avatar Jewellery owner, added he thinks the road needs to be kept clean because it sees high footfall from tourists.

“I think it is important because it gives a good image for the city to have clean streets and encourages visitors to come to here,” he said.

A spokesman for City of York Council said the street is cleaned daily and new training and equipment would help.

He said: “City of York Council clears litter in Stonegate, as with other areas of the city centre, every morning from 5am. On occasions it may not be possible to clear all litter and debris in Stonegate, due to delivery vehicles or other obstacles.

“However, if this happens, the council returns later in the day to finish the work.

“Investment in training and machinery is ongoing to address issues such as discarded cigarette butts.

“Any issues with street cleanliness can be reported by calling 01904 551551.”

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