Councillor fights to rid Camden streets of dangerous ‘avalanche of leaves’

Red, gold and brown leaves falling in the autumn might look pretty – but they’re also a health and safety nightmare.

Leave me alone: Cllr Don Williams has challenged Camden Council to protect elderly pedestrians Picture: Ben Birchall/PA - Credit: PA Archive/PA Images

That is according to Cllr Don Williams, who has pressed Camden Council to “rid our streets of the avalanche of leaves” endangering residents.

He said: “It presents a risk of falls and serious injury, especially to elderly persons, who prefer to walk from place to place.”

The Conservative Swiss Cottage representative also asked Cllr Meric Apak, cabinet member for sustainability and environment, to explain why his department has “consistently ignored” the need to fight against leaves.

But Cllr Apak said there is a “leafing plan” created annually.

“Up to three additional teams are employed and they work on an area basis, prioritising locations of greatest need,” he said, adding that “flexibility” was essential given the “unpredictable” nature of leaves.