SHOPKEEPERS grabbed their brooms and took to the streets as a new clean up campaign was launched on a busy street.

Some 27 traders on High Road, South Woodford, have agreed to sweep their shop fronts at least once a day under the new ‘Clean Sweep’ initiative.

The scheme is the brainchild of David Jack, 46, of St Albans Road, Woodford Green, who has set up a new community organisation called the Woodford Action Group (WAG).

Among the shopkeepers cleaning up was Eddie Butcher of D P Leake TVshop.

He said: “It’s great to keep the area clean and show how much we care about it.

“When David approached us about the idea, we were all in favour of it.

“It’s nice in today’s world to see there are still people who care about keeping the places where they live, work and shop looking nice.”

Mr Jack says he was motivated to set up WAG to encourage the promotion of community activity in the area.

He added: “Most people 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.”

He has persuaded Redbridge Council to back his idea, and the local authority has provided shopkeepers with brooms and outfits for the big clean up.

Council Leader Keith Prince was among the politicians grabbing a broom and joining the traders for the launch of the scheme.

He said: “We are only too happy to support such excellent local initiatives.

“If residents want to see their area improved, we are always keen to hear about ideas they think will take off and continue to be supported locally.”

Trader Paul Moulder of Bathworks, added: “We were more than happy to take part.

“Anything that keeps the street looking good and encourages people to shop in the area has got to be good.”

The 24 participating businesses are: Enigma Tanning and Beauty Clinic, DP Leake’s, Giovanni’s, Woodford BBQ, Woodford Carpet Shop, Laundry Lounge and 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’s hairdressers, Elaine Atkins Physiotherapy, Tesco Express, Explore Learning, Woodford Square Estate Agents, Dream Bedrooms and Kitchen Design, William Hill, Belgique, Mainline Plant Services.

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