Estate clean-up hailed a big success

A major clean-up on a Rugeley housing estate has been hailed as a success. The two-day campaign on the Springfield estate involved public agencies from across Staffordshire targeting a range of issues to try and improve the area.

The clean-up is part of Cannock Chase Council's Own Your Street initiative which draws together authorities such as Staffordshire Police, housing associations and others to work hand in hand with local residents. The operation centred on streets surrounding Holyoake Place.

The agencies set up a one-stop shop for local people to visit. Among the activities going on during both days included a litter pick by pupils from Fair Oak Business and Enterprise College, cleaning graffiti, targeting uninsured and untaxed cars and general anti-social behaviour.

Police officers visited victims of crime and executed a number of warrants on the estate as well as carrying out truancy checks with education officers.

Staff from Cannock Chase Council's environmental team also helped take away dumped rubbish.

Cannock Chase Council's street wardens were also out on patrol on the estate and Rugeley firefighters were carrying out free fire safety checks in homes and fitting smoke alarms.

The Rugeley blitz is the latest in a series of projects on community hotspots in the district and these have previously taken place in Hednesford, Norton Canes, and Cannock.

Catriona Hamilton, from the council's community partnership, said: "It was a fantastic two days, we were really please with how it went.

"We got some really good work done on the estate and the kids from the local schools did a really good job too."

She added: "The aim of the Own Your Streets campaign is to give local people real pride in their communities."

The empty shop on Holyoake Place which was used over the two days could now become a permanent community base. The next Own Your Streets event will take place in Cannock in the coming months.