A VILLAGE clean-up campaign has been launched by council staff and volunteers.

Efforts to clean up Leadgate, near Consett were launched last week, the latest community to be visited by Durham County Council’s Operation Spruce-Up team.

Improvement work is planned for St Ives Road, Watling Street, Durham Road, Front Street and surrounding areas.

The scheme will involve the sweeping and clearing footpaths, painting and cleaning street furniture, such as bollards, railings and benches and replacing old bins.

Teams will also remove weeds and chewing gum and plant summer bedding plants at the cenotaph.

Staff and volunteers from Sustrans are carrying out a litter pick on the Coast-to-Coast cycle path.

Oliver Sherratt, Durham County Council’s head of direct services, said: “This particular scheme will see a major litter pick carried out along the stretch of the cycle track, so we’re confident this will make a positive improvement to that area for cyclists and local residents.”