STREET wardens have joined forces with a private landlord in a bid to carry out a clean-up on a village estate.

Easington District Council has teamed up with Accent North East, which owns 300 properties in the former mining community of Horden.

Together they will set about tackling fly-tipping, littering, anti-social behaviour and other problems in the area.

Street wardens and representatives from Accent North East are carrying out regular patrols of the area - known as the numbered streets - to identify problems and ensure they are dealt with swiftly.

Though still in its early days, the partnership says it is already notching up significant success.

Brian Dineen, a street warden with the district council, said: "We have seen a major improvement in the area, thanks to our work with Accent North East.

"The numbered streets are now a lot tidier, and residents are able to have pride in their area.''

Nick Sweeney, housing services officer with Accent North East, said: "Our close partnership with the council street wardens is helping to create a safer, more secure community for residents and we hope we will continue."

The street wardens are also working with the local residents' association to encourage people who live in the area to play their part in keeping their neighbourhood clean and safe.