Street sweepers will be out in full force in Welland starting next week.

The municipality's public works department will start its annual program on Monday, which is expected to last four to six weeks.

Staff will sweep in 19 designated zones, starting in northwest Welland and ending on the east side of the city.

Curb lines within cul-de-sacs will be swept. Where snow piles remain, another sweeping in the cul-de-sac centre areas will be done after all zones are completed.

This effort creates a healthier environment because it reduces dust and other airborne contaminants, a news release from the city said. It also reduces the amount of material that washes away into the stormwater system, which leads to the canal, river and local creeks.

"The street sweeping program creates cleaner and safer roads," said Vince Beaudoin, acting manager of public works.

"We ask for public support with keeping roads clear from vehicles where possible so that we conduct a thorough cleaning," he added.

Local residents can assist the program by refraining from parking their vehicles on the road during the period when work is taking place.

People are also asked to not sweep driveway and sidewalk debris onto roadways. The city also advises against sweeping gutter and edge-of-road material into a pile.

Residents should also remove hockey and basketball nets from the edge of the road in front of their homes, it added.