An army of volunteers has been hard at work to spruce up one city neighbourhood. From weeding paths to painting out graffiti, helping a resident knock their overgrown garden into shape to litter-picking –made up mainly of teenagers. The team, led and supervised by Norwich City Council, working with New Day. (L TO R) Maddie Stone, Sijikolajo and Victoria Horrocks help clean up the pavement. Picture: James Bass

A big thank you from residents was in order after an army of teenage volunteers cleaned up a part of Norwich once plagued by fly

tipping, litter and graffiti.

Hundreds of youngsters aged from 12 to 17 helped transform the area around Goldsmith Street, off Dereham Road, by weeding paths, painting over graffiti and clearing away up to 40 bags of litter a day.

A row of fences was also painted red, white and blue and no job was too big or small for the enthusiastic team who were focused on giving a boost to the local community, many of whom also rolled up their sleeves to help.

The area between Old Palace Road, Dereham Road and Orchard Street was identified as a ‘hotspot’ for issues of antisocial behaviour such as fly-tipping and vandalism.

And for four days last week youngsters from across the country plus some from France and Italy, as part of a New Day youth event, worked with Norwich City Council’s neighbourhood teams – supported by the police - to breathe new life into the area.

Residents were asked beforehand what local issues were important to them, helping to guide the week’s activity as well as future targets.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s fantastic what the youngsters have done. It’s definitely made a big improvement and I hardly recognise the area. Let’s hope now that all the residents work together to keep it this way.”

Yesterday, the Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich, senior council officers and councillors thanked everyone for their hard work at a small celebration event for the workers and residents alike.

The work was overseen by Carol Jones, the city council’s neighbourhood manager for the east, Carl Maidment, co-project leader from New Day and Ailsa Magee, with help from the police.

PCSO Catherine Lowe said: “The residents have been very grateful for what the youngsters have done. Hopefully, it will lead to less antisocial behaviour in the area, and to people having more pride in their streets.”

Is your neighbourhood receiving a makeover? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.