Prison inmates have received praise for their work clearing up weeds and rubbish in the Barton area of Gloucester.

Last year we reported concerns that weeds clogging Barton Street’s gutters could see the road turn into a river and houses “drown” if there were to be heavy rainfall.

But HMP Leyhill prisoners have recently been removing weeds and picking up litter in Barton, as part of a rehab scheme running one day per week.

Inmates at the open prison in Tortworth did a “great job” on Monday, said Gloucester city councillor Usman Bhaimia (L, Barton and Tredworth).

Councillors Usman Bhaimia and Said Hansdot in Barton Street last year when weeds were becoming a concern

He added: “Walking down Barton Street is very good now. The weed problem is completely gone.

“It is good for the area. It’s very clean and lovely.”

A Prison Service spokesman added: "Effective rehabilitation requires commitment from prisoners to grip these opportunities to work and develop their skills.

HMP Leyhill

“HMP Leyhill works with a number councils on these projects and we are glad they are having a positive impact on the community and offenders."

Still work to do?

Mr Bhaimia thinks there is still work to be done to tackle flytipping, which has blighted Barton for years.

Earlier this week we reported the area has recently been plagued by the dumping of everything from broken toys and cardboard boxes to mattresses and sofas.

Mr Bhaimia pointed to heaps of full black bin bags left off Barton Street on Monday night.

He said: “The neighbours started ringing me in the middle of the night, saying, ‘Usman, come down – look, this is what is happening.”

Councillor Usman Bhaimia next to the rubbish dumped off Barton Street

The councillor believes the worst hotspots are Gothic Cottages, St James Court, Barton Street and Hopewell Street.

“Every time there is rubbish in Gothic Cottages, it is cleared and then two days later there is rubbish there again,” he said.

Mr Bhaimia said the council has recently improved the speed at which it removes flytipped waste.

But he is calling for it to install CCTV cameras in the worst-hit parts of Barton, which he thinks would be a strong deterrent and save money in the long term.

“I have been saying it for five years – why can’t they put in cameras?” he asked.

Gloucester City Council's cabinet member for environment, Richard Cook.
Gloucester City Council cabinet member for environment, Richard Cook.

Councillor Richard Cook, cabinet member for environment, said: “The city council has CCTV units located in areas where ongoing serious flytipping incidents occur.

"We are currently assessing which locations would benefit the most from the relocation of our limited number of CCTV cameras based on evidence of the seriousness and frequency of fly tipping incidents.”