Pictured above: Neighbourhood police sergeant Jerome Moran and Ellie-Mae Gane.

Residents in Mossdale Close, Coventry, have been waging a war on litter thanks to a special event organised by Whitefriars Housing Group.

Run in partnership with Coventry City Council Neighbourhood Management, part of the Coventry Community Safety Partnership, the event saw neighbours come together to spruce up their area as part of Not in My Neighbourhood Week (2 - 6 November). The week aims to raise awareness of what the police, local agencies and partners are doing to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour locally, as well as giving residents the chance to get involved. 

More than 20 children armed with gloves, litter pickers and aprons, took part in a competition to see who could round up the most rubbish. The winners Chantelle Bills, and Joanne Fisher were awarded a £15 gift voucher each for their efforts and Amy Mitchell and Ellie-Mae Gane were both awarded £15 gift vouchers for collecting the most leaves. Two skips were also dropped into Mossdale Close as residents, Whitefriars and council staff joined forces to rid the area of fly tipped and unwanted rubbish.

Meanwhile, green-fingered residents and children were joined by West Midlands Police to plant flowers and bulbs to brighten up the streets. The wooden planters, provided by the Community Payback scheme, will be displayed in the close to brighten up the streets throughout winter and spring. 

Resident Julie Adams, who took part in the event, said: "It was lovely to see everyone come together. It was nice to clean up our own area; events like this mean we can really keep it looking tidy. The children enjoyed the litter picking and making masks in the local scout hut and we're looking forward to the next chance we have to get involved." 

Whitefriars repairs staff were also on hand to carry out any small repair jobs found during the clean up and its landscape contractor Glendale attended to tidy up planted and grassed areas. A buffet lunch was provided for residents to help build community spirit and tea and coffee was on hand all day to refresh the gardeners and grime busters. 

The event is one of a series of actions agreed with residents to help improve the neighbourhood. Residents have already benefitted from a local Halloween party and physical improvements such as newly painted fences and garages. 

Gail Cooper, manager of the anti-social behaviour team at Whitefriars, said: "We've been working closely with the community and partners to decide how we can improve the neighbourhood. This event is just one example of how working together with residents and partners can make a big difference. 

"The day was a great success and shows our commitment to creating places where people are proud to live. Thanks to everyone who came along to get involved." 

Radford neighbourhood police sergeant Jerome Moran said the event was part of a 'Mossdale makeover'. He added: "Mossdale Close is one of our local priorities; we're working with residents, listening to their concerns, and acting on their feedback. Everyone is united in their commitment to make the area a more pleasant place to live; the clean-up and flower planting are part of that wider commitment." 

To keep the area neat and tidy after the event, Whitefriars, together with the council, has committed to extra maintenance visits to the neighbourhood and has put up signs to give out the message that fly-tipping will not be tolerated.