ACTION to smarten up part of a north Durham community is under way.

A team from various organisations worked to tidy up the grassed alley between Second and Third Street at Watling Bungalows, in Leadgate, which is known locally as The Lunins, on Thursday.

Durham County Council’s neighbourhood wardens, young firefighters the police cleared fly-tipped material from the area.

The clean-up was part of the Community Action Team (CAT) project which is running in Leadgate following concerns raised by residents at the drop in sessions.

Residents have been getting involved with the team to look at what may be needed to improve their neighbourhood.

A drop-in session will be held at Leadgate Community Centre on Monday (June 9), from 9.30am to 11am.

Joanne Waller, head of environment, health and consumer protection at Durham County Council, said: “This is an opportunity for the residents of Leadgate to have their voices heard and tell us how they would like to have their environment and community improved.

"We look forward to hearing from as many people as possible.”

More information on the CAT programme is available on durham.gov.uk or people can also telephone 03000-261-016 or email communityactionteam@durham.gov.uk