Councillors, shopkeepers and residents united to back the Clean Sweep initiative in Woodford Green

WAGs of a different kind help to clean up Woodford Green

Alistair Kleebauer, Senior reporter Tuesday, July 24, 2012
4:30 PM

Traders in Woodford Green have been inspired to sweep outside their shops every day by a community initiative which has won backing from Redbridge Council.

The Woodford Action Group, or WAG as it is affectionately known according to group member David Jack, has got 24 businesses to sign up to their Clean Sweep programme.

Now the council has lent support with cleaning equipment including brooms and litter bags and logo stickers for shop windows.

Council leader Keith Prince and fellow councillors visited one of the participating businesses, Scott Hairdressers in High Road, Woodford Green, yesterday.

Mr Jack said: “Most people, like me, want to live in places that are litter-free and well-maintained. “This encourages visitors to the area who are then more likely to stop and spend their time and money.

“[The businesses] jumped at the chance to be involved in this drive to improve the place where we live, work and shop.”

Cllr Sue Nolan, the cabinet member for highways and cleansing, said: “We’re only too happy to support such excellent local initiatives.”

Shopkeepers have committed to keep their frontages litter-free and tidy.

Scott Sanders, who owns the hairdressers, said he would be out with his broom every day.

And Tony Harris, whose Woodford Carpet Shop in High Road was gutted by fire during last August’s London riots, said: “Keeping the area looking its best is the least I can do to thank everyone.

“If we all do our bit every day it’ll make a big difference.”

The action group can be contacted on info@woodfordactiongroup.org.uk.

The 24 businesses are Enigma Tanning and Beauty Clinic; DP Leake’s; Giovanni’s; Woodford BBQ; Woodford Carpet Shop; Whistle ‘n’ Flute dry cleaners; West’s Coaches; Bathworks; Cakes & Shakes; Hair 186; Sapphire Beauty; Tony’s Fish Bar; Omega Locksmiths; Junqi; The Health Stop; Scott hairdressers; Elaine Atkins Physiotherapy; Tesco Express; Explore Learning; Woodford Square Estate Agents; Dream Bedrooms and Kitchen Design;

William Hill; Belgique and Mainline Plant Services.