A new street cleaning service has launched in Richmond aiming to make a “positive change” to the town centre.

The new service, which has been “busy ridding the pavements of years of ingrained grime and chewing gum”, is being provided by maintenance contractor Community Clean, on behalf of Richmond’s new Business Improvement District (BID), Be Richmond.

The company uses a chemical-free, high heat jet wash to clean the streets and if a deeper clean is required to remove heavy staining, environmentally-friendly specialist cleaning agents are used.

So far, a total of 4,000 square metres of the town centre has already been cleaned.

Be Richmond project director Austin Casey said: “Given the strong retail, hospitality and cultural offer in Richmond upon Thames, it is important that the town presents itself well to everyone who uses it.

“Street cleaning and management is a key factor in attracting and retaining shoppers, visitors and workers.

“Community Clean has over 15 years’ experience and has worked with many BIDs in the past.

“In less than a month, the difference Community Clean has made to the town centre is already noticeable, and we hope shoppers, residents and workers shoppers are enjoying a cleaner, brighter Richmond.”

The service began on September 24, less than a week after the official Be Richmond launch.

Have you noticed a difference? Let us know: grainne.cuffe@newsquest.co.uk