Council's Open Spaces team has a new leaf-clearing machine to keep local parks and reserves tidy this autumn and winter.

The homebuilt machine has a Trillo suction unit from France mounted on a locally-made Helmack trailer.

Group Manager Infrastructure and Open Spaces Neil McCann said it streamlined the collection of leaves.

“This new machine saves us a lot of time and we’re able to recycle the collected leaves as compost in our gardens.”

Staff are initially using the machine mostly in the Ashburton CBD and high-profile areas, and will take this season to get familiar with what the unit can do.

“It is a purpose-built prototype. The suction unit can swivel to left or right-side collection, and the trailer cage and suction unit are removable so the trailer can be assigned to other uses. The trailer has an electric hoist to streamline emptying.”

“Clearing leaves not only gives a well-kept look to our parks and reserves but it also maintains the overall health of gardens.”