Youngsters from across Bognor help clean up the town

More than 50 youngsters took part in the events last week, which were organised in response to reports of anti-social behaviour.

The green-fingered activities were held at Wadhurst Close with Big Tidy Up activities at Stroud Green and the Hook Lane estate.

Police community support officer Jan Williams hailed the sessions, which were jointly organised with Arun District Council and residents, as a strong example of communities working together.

She said: "It went really well '“ I've never seen anything like it myself as by the time I'd turned up at 9.15am the two skips we had there were completely full. We had to go and find some more.

"There was a really good sense of community spirit with everyone working hard to clear up the area.

"There were about 30 kids at our clean-up which I thought was excellent.

" A lot of residents had their front gardens cut by Town Force who were a great help.

"Some of the youngsters also got the chance to learn some skills from Brighton football club community coach Mark Slide which they enjoyed and we laid on some food for them, too."

Dan Cox, Arun's street scene officer added: "It was great to see so many young people getting involved in making improvements to the area where they live.

"Everyone said they had a really good time and want to continue to get involved with projects and schemes that improve their neighbourhoods."

Around 15 bags of rubbish were cleared by Verdant from Stroud Green after the four-hour event last week. Items that were dumped and were cleared included a barbecue, bicycle and lawnmower.

Fire officers also supported the clean-up and carried out home safety checks for residents. Young people involved in the sessions were given a tour of Bognor Regis fire station and there was also a talk from a former prisoner who had served a sentence at Ford.

The Stroud Green Big Tidy Up was supported by police community support officers Michelle Davies and Nick Baker.

They were joined by Sarah Meeten from the Arun Anti-Social Behaviour Team.

Chairman,Dave Benham, deputy district commander of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, added the events had transformed the areas concerned and he hoped people were proud of their achievements.

All the plants used were given by Ford Prison and the session was lead by West Sussex countryside ranger John Knight.

For more information on community clean-ups, contact Dan Cox on 01903 737500.

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