'Fully electric cleaning device is encouraging people to be tidier'
Torbay's newest cleaning device is helping to change behaviour
Last updated 12th Jul 2022
A new high-profile cleaning device appears to be encouraging people to not drop as much litter in the first place.
Ahead of this Summer, Torbay has invested in a mobile battery-powered street cleaning device - which vacuums litter and can wash down bins or areas which look dirty or smell.
The fully electric device is better at picking up litter than teams with a traditional broom - and has also served as a conversation starter with passers-by.
Neil Coish from Swisco says the by showing that 'a real person' cleans up the litter, visitors and residents have been more respectful to the local environment.
The device started being used a few weeks ago to help iomprove the cleanliness of the Torbay resort.
SWISCo oversees things like waste, recycling, grounds maintenance and street scene services for Torbay Council - which is a private limited company that is wholly owned by the authority.