KEY members of the Shildon community took to the streets yesterday in an attempt to clean up the town.

Police and councillors were joined by representatives from Groundwork and Streetscene in a Shildon Community Safety initiative to make the town safer for residents.

The group targeted the Black Boy Path area, which leads to the railway station to identify areas that may need work.

Sara Collins, community safety co-ordinator, said: "This is a way of trying to reduce anti-social and nuisance behaviour. The idea is if we can clean up areas it may encourage people to take a pride in the town."

More walkabouts are planned in the coming weeks and it is hoped that residents will see the group out and about and tell them what improvements they want to see.

Acting Sergeant Simon Cowan, of Shildon police, said: "From a police point of view we very much support this.

"Environmental issues have an impact on the community and run-down areas tend to attract crime. If all of these agencies can get together to improve the environment it will help us in our job."

The next walkabout will focus on the Redworth Road area on Wednesday, June 29, at 10am and residents are welcome to give their opinions.

Shildon Community Safety will also have a stand at the town's forthcoming carnival on Saturday, June 11, where representatives will be on hand to talk to residents about problem areas.