A campaign to clean up County Durham is moving to its latest destination next week.
Operation Spruce Up comes to Ferryhill on Monday, 25 September and will see deep-cleaning work take place in Market Place, Market Street, Main Street, North Street and the A167 and surrounding areas.
As part of the programme, activities will include sweeping and clearing of footpaths, painting and cleaning of street furniture such as bollards and railings and replacing old bin units with new ones.
Other work includes removing weeds from paths and green spaces, jet washing benches, renewing street markings, removing chewing gum from footpaths and litter picking.
A team of people is helping support the Spruce Up taskforce, including local councillors, the council’s clean and green and civic pride teams, representatives from the AAP and volunteers.
As part of the project, the council’s civic pride team will work with local primary schools on educational assemblies and a poster competition, where the winning entry will be displayed around local business and community buildings.
Oliver Sherratt, Durham County Council’s head of direct services, said: “Operation Spruce Up has already made a noticeable difference to a number of areas in the county and we are sure Ferryhill will see the same improvements.
“Getting the area as clean and tidy as possible helps instil pride in the community and it is great that so many people are willing to get involved and give the area a thorough clean up.”
Operation Spruce Up was launched in November 2016 and focuses on one town or village per AAP each month until December this year.
Last month the programme focused on Stanhope, where work included sweeping and clearing footpaths, replacing dog bin units and litter picking, as well as replanting entrance planners with new seasonal bedding and white picket fencing features.
Front Street, Market Place, Lime Tree Walk, the Riverside Walk and surrounding areas were all included as part of the visit.
Cllr Brian Stephens, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “Spruce Up is making a positive improvement for residents across the county and we are always delighted to see so many people coming together to do their bit for the community.”