Fears over the employment of Kenilworth barrow operatives have been laid to rest as Warwick District Council confirmed today that operatives will be given a different role in a new street cleansing scheme in the district.

From Monday 29 March 2021 idverde UK will be undertaking the new street cleansing contract in addition to providing a grounds maintenance service including grass cutting, flower displays and playground maintenance.

As part of the new contract it has been necessary for the council to review particular services, including the town centre 'barrow operatives'.

Although Kenilworth, Royal Leamington Spa and Warwick Town Councils were asked to contribute towards the costs of continuing this particular service they were unable to do so due to similar financial constraints; therefore, this particular function will no longer be operational.

idverde has confirmed that each barrow operative will be fully supported as they transfer to become part of the new town centre cleaning crew. The barrow operatives are valued members of staff and will still be employed carrying out similar tasks but in different ways.

Though Warwick District Council has faced a significant increase in costs for providing a street cleansing service, the new contract means that each town centre now has a dedicated crew that will visit the town first thing each morning, followed by another visit later in the day to carry out an additional cleanse, including emptying litter bins.

Councillor Alan Rhead, Portfolio Holder for Environment & Neighbourhood, said: "Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Warwick District Council has a statutory duty to keep open spaces that are accessible to the general public free of litter and refuse so far as is practicable.

"Though the new scheme may not be as frequent as the town centre barrow operatives, it is sufficient to meet our duties under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and will still see our town centres cleaned regularly for the enjoyment of everyone.

"We will be regularly monitoring and inspecting the town centres to review their cleanliness with this new way of working.

"However, it is imperative that those visiting the town centres act responsibly by not dropping litter in the first place. If you find that a bin is full, please use another bin or take your rubbish home with you. We all have a responsibility to ensure that our town centres are free of litter."

Community petition

Today's announcement comes just days after a petition was started by a Kenilworth resident to secure the position of a much-loved Kenilworth barrow-man Saji Mathew.

To date the petition has received over 800 signatures from local people.

Concerns were raised for Saji's job after the news that Kenilworth would no longer have barrow operatives was revealed.

This led to speculation not only about Saji's future, but also about how the change in cleaning contracts would affect the town.

Friend of Saji, Anish Mathew started the petition. He said: "I have decided to launch this petition as I thought barrow-men play an important role in keeping our town tidy.

"A mobile cleaning service wouldn't replace the wonderful work they do in the community. I am sure council must have done some study to decide remove the barrow-man role.

"During the lockdown period there was less rubbish in our streets so if the decision is made on that basis, they will be completely wrong when people back in town centre and streets.

"It's not about just one individual Saji, it's all about keeping an important service role in our town. Saji is very popular and received many awards for his contributions to the community. I worry that that he is been let to continue in a different role and then later on they terminate him."

Messages of support and praise for Saji's work have also come in droves on social media, with some selected posts found below.

"This guy is an asset to our town and deserves our support."

"He's a really good bloke. Polite and friendly, never seen him miserable. Does a great job too!"

"No matter the weather he's out and about always with a smile and a cheery hello."

"Saji has kept Kenilworth spotless, he takes pride in his work and the pride of Kenilworth. Everybody email Warwickshire and Kenilworth councils and councillors to keep the barrow round. Just remind them the election is coming up. Also the new contractors should not have a say on Kenilworth and Kenilworth values!"

A link to the petition can be found here.

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