EXCITING plans to draft in caretakers to spruce up a neighbourhood blighted by litter have been unveiled.
Councillors, residents and community groups have welcomed an offer by social landlord Accent North West to provide, fund and operate a neighbourhood environmental caretaking service in the Woodnook area of Accrington.
Deputy leader of Hyndburn Council, Councillor Tony Dobson, said: "This really is fantastic news.
"It's something we've been working hard towards for some time now and it will bring a much-needed boost to existing services in Woodnook.
"The area looks unkempt and unattractive at the moment.
"There are many empty properties, and these, along with a high turnover of residents, are both factors which have contributed to its downward spiral.
"It has become a neighbourhood blighted by lots of litter, rubbish and fly-tipping."
From next month Accent will use its existing caretakers, who already operate within its own stock across Hyndburn, to work in the Woodnook area.
Councillor Dobson, who has responsibility for regeneration in the borough, added: "We anticipate that they will be flexible to the needs of the locality, acting as both handymen and environmental lookouts.
"They will also liaise closely with the council's services, particularly in cases where enforcement action is necessary."
Paul Spencer, project manager for Accent North West, added: "While Accent only has a relatively small number of properties in this area, we believe that a genuine partnership with Hyndburn Council can make a big difference and will instil a sense of pride within this community.
"We anticipate that residents will notice a big improvement in the tidiness of the communal areas."
The project will run for an initial 12 months and will be a practical demonstration of Accent's commitment to community investment.
Newsagent Alf Green, chairman of Woodnook Forum for Action, said: "We welcome this initiative and are happy to support any measure that assists with the upkeep of Woodnook."
