A COLCHESTER community joined forces to give their estate a spruce up at an event to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Residents living in the Saw Mill estate filled three skips with unwanted items and tidied up communal areas during the community clean up.

The event, in Cross Cut, Gantry Close and Saw Mill, was arranged by Eastlight Community Homes to help residents feel comfortable and safe in their homes and proud of where they live.

The area was also tidied up, with Eastlight staff litter picking and Colne Valley Tree Service improving the appearance of communal green spaces.

Eastlight says it also consulted with residents on further improvements they would like to see where they live and additional support they may need to feel safer in their homes.

Steve Pettit, estate safety manager at Eastlight, said: "It was fantastic to see so many residents particularly children and young people - join in with the clean-up and being open and honest about how Eastlight can help them feel safer in their community.

"I look forward to seeing the impact of the event and other improvements we are putting in place."

Resident Danny Burgess, added: "This event is fantastic timing as we have just moved here and have lots to clear out."