AN operation to clean up part of an east Durham village has been hailed a resounding success, with 37 tonnes of rubbish, 30 fridge freezers and 11 TVs removed to date.

The programme in the numbered streets of Horden, near Peterlee, involved Durham County Council and agencies such as Durham Police, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Horden Colliery Residents Association and Horden Parish Council.

The council’s team also fitted new gates or fencing at 60 properties to prevent waste being dumped in yards.

New waste or recycling bins were also provided to 69 homes, while rat baiting work was carried out at 29 homes. Decorative boards were fitted to improve the appearance of 28 unsightly boarded up properties.

The council contacted 127 private landlords about the need to have work done at their properties, with teams from the authority subsequently attending to 57 properties.

Teams also fitted 53 gas meter covers, 38 drain covers and 38 manhole covers.

Oliver Sherratt, the council’s head of direct services, said: “We are committed to working with partners and local residents to make a real difference in the numbered streets and we hope these figures show we are starting to do that.

“Our next steps will be enforcement - issuing fixed penalty notices against those that fly-tip or leave their gardens and yards untidy, and we will consider prosecution where these notices aren’t complied with.

“We will continue to look at what else can be done to improve conditions for people living in the numbered streets.”

Residents’s association chair Pat Barnett said: “We are pleased to be associated with the magnificent activity of Durham County Council and other agencies, which is the beginning of an ongoing campaign to improve the wellbeing of all residents within the numbered streets area.”

The fire service’s Easington district manager Phil Innis said: “Having working smoke detectors and doing some simple things can reduce the risk from fire in your home considerably. Taking part in this project has proven to be worthwhile with 22 homes better protected as a result.”

Residents can report fly-tipping at www.durham.gov.uk/flytipping or 03000 2600 00, find out about bin collections at www.durham.gov.uk/bins.