Glasgow BID launched new Clean Team pilot for city centre streets

The Clean Team, launched by the Let’s Go Glasgow Business Improvement District (BID), is now operating across Glasgow city centre as part of the BID’s first pilot project.

Kyron Keogh, chair of Let’s Go Glasgow BID, said: "This pilot is about delivering early, tangible impact.

"Businesses have made a clear investment commitment through the BID, and our priority is to turn that into visible improvements as quickly as possible.

"The Clean Team is the first of many projects we will roll out, and it demonstrates our focus on action, additionality and value for money."

The clean team will provide services that go beyond what is currently offered by Glasgow City Council, addressing concerns raised by levy-paying businesses.

Their focus areas will include graffiti removal on private buildings, cleaning bins and street furniture, and improving the condition of city centre lanes.

Let’s Go Glasgow Business Improvement District (BID) has launched a dedicated Clean Team  (Image: Supplied)

Cllr Angus Millar, convener for City Centre Recovery at Glasgow City Council, said: "A clean and well-maintained city centre is in the interests of businesses, residents and visitors alike, and the Council has been increasing investment in its cleansing services over the past year with, for example, additional nightshift teams and commercial waste enforcement officers.

"This welcome new initiative by the BID will complement the Council’s services in response to issues raised by the city centre business community, and is a good example of how the BID can provide additionality in achieving shared objectives of the public and private sector."

ABM will deliver the pilot on behalf of Let’s Go Glasgow BID.

A dedicated online helpdesk will let levy-paying businesses report issues directly, with requests triaged between BID-funded activity and council services to ensure the most appropriate response.

Campbell Murdoch, managing director of business and industry at ABM, said: "ABM has been maintaining public spaces for over a hundred years across the globe, and we are proud of our decades-long presence at some of Scotland’s most iconic sites.

"It is a privilege to be part of Let’s Go Glasgow BID, an opportunity to make a real difference to the long-term sustainability of one of the most vibrant communities we serve."

The pilot will help the BID test and refine the service before a full tender process for a permanent team later this year.

Currently, it includes two operatives working seven days a week.

Each shift runs from 5am to 2pm, with flexibility to adjust based on on-the-ground findings.

The scheme is part of a broader five-year plan by Let’s Go Glasgow BID to make the city centre "cleaner, safer, more vibrant and more empowered for businesses".

Further projects are set to be announced in the coming weeks and months.