Every day, our communal cleaning teams are hard at work across our north Manchester housing estates — making sure shared spaces are clean, safe and welcoming for residents.
We recently spent a morning following members of the team — William Smith, Justin Welsh and Paul Cooney — to see what a typical day looks like and to hear, in their own words, what their work means to them and the people they serve.
The first job of the day
The team’s day starts early, gathering equipment and heading out to the city’s low-rise blocks. Their job is to make sure every shared area is clean, tidy and hygienic. But as William explains, it’s about much more than mopping floors or emptying bins;
“We make sure everything’s clean and tidy — but also check for repairs and anything that could be a safety issue. It’s like anyone’s home — people want to come back to a nice, clean environment.”
Pride in the job
For Paul Cooney, who’s worked for Manchester City Council since 1979, the job has changed a lot over the years — but his pride in doing it well hasn’t.
“I started in 1979, and here I am now. It’s essential to keep the blocks clean and hygienic for the safety and well-being of residents.”
That sense of pride runs through the whole team. Whether it’s sweeping stairs, cleaning lifts or checking lighting, every detail matters — because it makes a real difference to how residents feel about where they live.
More than cleaning
The communal cleaning teams are also a vital link between residents and the council. They often spot issues early and help residents find the right support.
“If there’s any problems with tenants, we speak to them and try to resolve it best we can,” says Justin. “Sometimes, rather than them struggling to communicate with the council, we might be able to help.”
It’s not unusual for the team to go the extra mile — like helping residents book bulky waste collections instead of fly-tipping, or simply stopping for a friendly chat.
Tackling fly-tipping together
One of the biggest ongoing challenges is fly-tipping around communal blocks — something the team regularly deal with. But by speaking directly with residents, they’re helping reduce the problem and make sure waste is managed properly.
“It happens quite a lot where people fly-tip near the blocks,” Justin explains. “Last week I spoke to a resident and gave them the number to book a bulk collection. Every council resident can get one free collection a year — up to three large items — so there’s no need to leave things outside and risk getting a warning letter.”
By taking the time to talk with residents, the team helps keep neighbourhoods cleaner while saving people from potential fines — a simple but powerful example of how communication and community care go hand in hand.
A quiet but vital role
William, Justin and Paul’s work often goes unseen, but without it, the city’s housing blocks wouldn’t be the same. Their dedication keeps shared spaces safe, clean and welcoming — and their connection with residents helps build stronger, more caring communities.
So next time you see one of the communal cleaning team out and about, give them a wave or a thank you — they’re an essential part of what makes our neighbourhoods great places to live.
Watch the video
See the team in action and hear directly from William, Justin and Paul about their work and why they’re proud to do it.
