York has a new team of Neighbourhood Caretakers.
They will work closely with residents, councillors, and volunteers to deliver improvements in local areas — from removing weeds and street cleaning to supporting biodiversity and climate resilience projects.
Backed by an annual £150,000 investment from City of York Council, the Neighbourhood Caretakers will focus on locally-identified priorities, ensuring that local knowledge and community voices shape the work being done.
Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, said:
“We’re creating a team that’s responsive, visible and focused on the needs of each neighbourhood by working closely with those who know it best; residents, community organisations, volunteers and councillors. The Neighbourhood Caretakers Team will help ensure that everyone feels proud of where they live. We’re prioritising cleaner, greener, public spaces across the whole city, building on and supporting the huge community involvement we already have. Together we make York better.”
Key features of the initiative include:
- Proactive Local Action: Caretakers will respond to issues identified by ward councillors and council staff, rather than waiting for complaints.
- Community Collaboration: supporting resident-led projects like Adopt a Verge/planter, tree planting, and weed management
- Volunteer Engagement: Building on the success of community civic groups and events like the Great British Spring Clean, the programme will expand volunteer opportunities city-wide.
- Visible Impact: Regular updates, including photos, videos, and case studies, will be shared across social media, newsletters, and local press.
