Marble Arch London BID joined forces with Veolia on 22 June to launch a programme of pavement hot washing, to ensure streets are clean as businesses begin to trade and people return to work, shop and attend school.

Part of the BID’s Recovery Plan includes a package of measures under the Enhanced Street Services heading, of which cleaning is one of the activities funded by Marble Arch London BID to mark the easing of lockdown and reassure everyone who visits.

Footfall has held up well in the district, as supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, grocery shops, newsagents, takeaway cafes and restaurants have been able to continue to trade during lockdown. The central section containing the banks and Waitrose has footfall at 86% of the same period last year. The stretches near tube stations remain a little quieter, with the southern stretch at 60% against the same period last year and the northern stretch near Edgware Road tube stations at just 20% compared with the same period last year.

The team from Veolia, Westminster City Council’s recycling and waste partner, joined the BID team to make a start on the district, with the first stops being Nutford Place, Forset Street and George Street. Spillages and stains were removed, and a special treatment laid to protect surfaces and lift odours.

The remainder of the pavement hot washing on Edgware Road should be completed by the end of the week, with night-time cleaning taking place where carriageway barriers are in place as part of TfL’s Streetspace scheme.

Read more about Marble Arch London BID’s Recovery Plan here.