MP Iain Duncan Smith backs Woodford Green clean sweep campaign

Alistair Kleebauer, Senior reporter Tuesday, July 31, 2012
8:00 AM

A community initiative encouraging traders to clean outside their shopfronts every day has won the backing of Iain Duncan Smith, the MP for Chingford and Woodford Green.

He went on a walkabout in Woodford Green on Friday with members of the Woodford Action Group (WAG) who have set up the Clean Sweep scheme.

Twenty-four businesses in the area, including the Whistle ’N’ Flute drycleaners, Bathworks and Tony’s Fish Bar, all in High Road, Woodford Green, have committed to sweep outside their shops on a daily basis.

WAG, which has the “common goal of making the area a better place to live”, is looking for more residents to join as well.

Mr Duncan Smith said: “I have always supported community-run initiatives like this one as they are often a more effective way of getting things done.

“I urge residents who have not yet signed up to do so.”

The scheme is also supported by Redbridge Council.

WAG member David Jack, 46, of St Albans Road, said: “Businesses are the lifeblood of the community and everyone appreciates clean streets whether it’s in residential streets or streets with businesses.

“We’re delighted that Iain came down and that he’s backing us.”

Email woodfordaction-group@yahoo.co.uk for details.