Sefton Council begins early leaf clearance programme after dry summer

Early clearance programme

Sefton Council’s annual leaf fall clearance programme has started earlier than usual this year, following an exceptionally dry summer which has caused trees across the borough to shed their leaves sooner than expected. 

Throughout the autumn and winter months, the Council’s Street Cleansing teams will focus on clearing fallen leaves from adopted roads and footpaths across Sefton to help keep routes clean and safe for residents.  

During this period, normal street cleansing operations are temporarily adjusted to allow teams to prioritise leaf clearance. 

Borough-wide schedule

The programme operates on a borough-wide schedule, with teams working systematically through areas experiencing significant leaf fall. 

Each year, the Council collects around 1,000 tonnes of leaves from roads and footpaths across the borough.  

Composted and reused

All leaves collected through the programme are sent for composting and reused to help support planting and landscaping across the borough. 

Travel around the borough safely

Councillor Peter Harvey, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Street Scene, said: 
“Each autumn, our Street Cleansing teams work hard to keep Sefton’s roads and footpaths clear of fallen leaves, helping to ensure residents can travel around the borough safely. 

“Teams work systematically across Sefton, but the volume of leaves can change significantly throughout the season and is often influenced by weather conditions. This means we cannot provide exact dates for when individual streets will be cleared. 

“I would like to thank residents for their understanding and support. Our crews will continue working throughout the autumn and winter, collecting leaves and ensuring they are composted so they can be put to good use supporting planting in Sefton’s parks, gardens and green spaces. 

“Together we can make Sefton a Cleaner, Greener place.” 

The Council’s annual leaf fall clearance programme began on Monday 21st September and will continue throughout the season until leaf fall subsides.