Targeted street clean-ups to Make it Happen for Islington

During community walkabouts in areas including Finsbury Park and Angel this week, local people have been highlighting the streets and spaces that matter most to them – pointing out hotspots for anti-social behaviour (ASB), litter, graffiti, and any areas that make their neighbourhoods feel neglected.  

Local people know their streets better than anyone and, based on their insight, council teams will be carrying out intensive clean-ups next week in areas identified by residents – including in town centres like Finsbury Park, Angel, Hornsey Road, Old Street, and Nag’s Head.  

The extensive, deep cleans will take place across the start of next week, and include:  

• Removing graffiti, posters and stickers   

• Deep cleaning pavements  

• Sweeping streets by hand and machine  

• Clearing weeds, dumped rubbish and litter 

The action is all part of the council’s commitment to Making it Happen by delivering tangible, visible improvements on the issues that matter most to local people.  

It builds on an £820,000 investment, from the council’s dedicated Making it Happen fund, to support community clean-ups, tackle problem areas, and improve neighbourhoods across the borough over the next four years.  

Cllr Heather Staff, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety, joined one of the walkabouts, and said: “A cleaner borough means safer, more welcoming neighbourhoods for everyone. 

“These clean-ups are being shaped directly by residents, so we’re focusing on the places that matter most to local people and making a visible difference where it’s needed most. We know that areas that are visibly neglected often attract crime and anti-social behaviour. That’s why we need to work with our communities to make these spaces cleaner, more welcoming and ultimately safer. 

“We’re making it happen by investing in our streets and working alongside our communities to take pride in where we live. Together, we can build a borough that’s cleaner, safer and more welcoming for all.”  

Alongside a series of deep cleans, the £820,000 investment from the Making it Happen fund includes community gardening sessions, annual borough‑wide spring cleans, new litter facilities in busy areas, and a pledge scheme to help businesses and neighbourhoods play their part in keeping Islington clean. 

The council will continue to back this work with enforcement, with its neighbourhood patrol team operating seven days a week to tackle littering, fly‑tipping and other environmental offences. 

Local people can get involved in keeping their streets clean by signing up for local volunteering opportunities and community clean-up events over the coming months. The council also make it easy to report any dumped waste, litter and dog fouling through the Love Clean Streets App. To stay up to date with the latest opportunities local people can sign up to the council’s environment email bulletin.