Newark and Sherwood District Council has introduced Focus Weeks with Balderton being this week’s focus

A new weekly scheme aims to focus efforts in specific areas across the district and create a cleaner and safer community.

The Newark and Sherwood District Council initiative — Focus Week — supports various towns across the district in collaboration with local Parish Councils.

From October 14 until Friday (October 18), Balderton will be getting the Focus Week treatment as District Council and Balderton Parish Council work in partnership to give the community a freshen-up.

In June of this year, Southwell, one of the previous recipients of the programme, saw various activities, from litter picking and debris removal to graffiti cleaning and road sweeping.

This Focus Week also coincides with Safer Streets 5 initiatives which are also happening in the area.

Following the announcement that Balderton was successful in an application for Safer Streets funding, many improvements have taken place in the area including a new youth pod at Coronation Street Park in Balderton, the installation of brand-new CCTV cameras, benches, and bins to keep our streets cleaner and safer.

During this week, work to install more CCTV and lighting at the Heron Road Car Park will begin with the poles being put in place.

Other activities during the week include road sweeping, seasonal shrub and hedge visits to Southfields and Lacey Green Areas, grass cutting in District Council-owned areas, painting the Olympic 2012 Lectern outside Chuter Ede Primary School, removing vegetation from pathways outside Chuter Ede Primary School and cutting back hedge fence line, deep cleanse of Brisbane Court shopping area and cleaning road signs in the conservation area.

Balderton Parish Council will also be doing grounds work and litter picking around Balderton Lake, with support from the District Council to collect the rubbish.

Emma Oldham, portfolio holder for Biodiversity and Environmental Services at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Weeks like this let our teams concentrate on specific communities to make a significant impact.

“This partnership effort is a great example of how we can improve cleanliness and tidiness together. It’s also pleasing that we’re able to maintain and manage our parks and roadsides whilst making efforts to help limit the amount of herbicides needed.

“This is not only good for the wildlife and green spaces in Balderton but also ensures the well-being of its ecosystems.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what a difference has been made by the end of this busy week.”

Jane Buxton, chairman of Balderton Parish Council, added: “We’ve really enjoyed our partnership work with the District Council during the Safer Streets 5 work and this Focus Week is set to be another impactful project that will create positive change in the community.

“Keeping our parish clean and tidy creates a happier community we can be proud of, and we’re eager to see the results.”

In a significant move towards eco-friendly practices, the Street Scene Team is conducting deep clean events to help reduce the use of herbicides.

By removing any build-up of silt and detritus, the potential for weed growth on paved areas is greatly reduced.

Together with Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and Balderton Parish Council, the District Council is helping to make strides to reduce neighbourhood crime and antisocial behaviour.

Paul Taylor, portfolio holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Balderton has really benefited from our support over the last few months after their successful bid for Safer Streets 5 funding and this Focus Week is another example where we’re doing what we can to make our communities tidier and safer for our residents to flourish.

“Not only is it important we take action to tackle ASB, but a good clean and sweep-up can really give the community a sense of pride in their area.

“Together with the Safer Streets work and this Focus Week, we’re giving Balderton a real boost and we’re excited to see the outcome in the community.”