Hertford Town Council has recently invested in the first wave of a deep clean for some of Hertford’s roads and pavements.

Maidenhead Street, Fore Street, Bull Plain and parts of Railway Street have been steam cleaned using a deep cleaning method without the use of chemicals. A contractor using a ‘DOFF cleaning machine’ has cleaned and sanitised the town centre using high-temperature steam, reaching up to 150°C, to clean surfaces. 

This cleaning method effectively removes dirt, grime and biological matter like moss, algae, and lichen, while also being able to remove paint and graffiti. The high temperature, combined with low pressure, makes it suitable for delicate surfaces like historic buildings and stonework. Following the initial cleansing, a significant amount of chewing gum has also been removed. 

Cllr Ann Woodward, Chair of the Development and Leisure Committee commented: 

“Hertford Town Council is delighted to be able to give the town centre an extra deep clean this summer. We hope that residents and regular visitors to the town can see a visible improvement and that we can all work together to keep Hertford tidy. As a Council, we work with other authorities and Councils in higher tiers, to encourage the ongoing maintenance of our town. As well as our ongoing improvements to the planters and hanging baskets within our remit; we are pleased we could fund this extra deep clean, which we hope everyone will benefit from.”

Street cleaning and general road maintenance come under the remit of East Herts District Council, Hertfordshire County Council or the Highways Authority – depending on the nature and location of the activity. Hertford Town Council was pleased to offer this extra deep clean to supplement the existing works, during the summer season, when footfall naturally increases.