A JOINT operation has been launched to clean up part of an east Durham village.

Durham County Council and partners, including Durham Constabulary, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, have begun work at the numbered streets area of Horden, near Peterlee, to address issues including large amounts of rubbish being left in alleys and back yards.

Work began last week with help from the fire service and police community support officers, with door knocking to advise of the initiative and to encourage residents to take action themselves.

With financial support from Horden Colliery Residents Association and local members, work began this week to provide bins to people who do not have them and to carry out pest control.

Oliver Sherratt, the council’s head of direct services, said: “The clean up across the numbered streets in Horden has already seen some dramatic improvements, and is being welcomed by residents.

Local member Councillor June Clark, one of those to provide funding for the work through her neighbourhood budget, added: “I am absolutely delighted by the work that has gone on.

“The challenge now will be to help keep the area looking as tidy as possible.

“Residents and landlords have a key role to play in this, and I look forward to further engagement with all interested parties to ensure we build on the momentum we have gained.”