ORGANISERS of a week-long clean-up operation on a troubled east Cleveland estate are looking forward to adopting the scheme in other areas.

Cleveland Police, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Cleveland Fire Brigade, Coast and Country Housing and other agencies have worked together in the Burnmoor Close and Blayberry Close area of the Lakes Estate, in Redcar, for a week, carrying out general maintenance and improvements.

The work has included graffiti removal and cleaning roads and footpaths. Fire and crime prevention advice has been given to residents.

Youngsters were given the opportunity to take part in breakdancing, circus skills, African drumming and Djing sessions thanks to The West Redcar Youth Inclusion Project

Sure Start West Redcar also hosted activities, advice and practical support for children under five and their families.

A spokesperson for Coast and Country Housing said: "Our first spring clean has been a tremendous success.

"We are particularly pleased with the way all the partners have worked together in this pilot scheme, and we are looking forward to rolling out the programme across the other areas under our responsibility in the near future."

Meanwhile, grime busters are at work, aiming to make a borough " cleaner, greener and safer.''

Rapid response teams have been launched to cover the west, central and east zones of the Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council area.

More than 20 extra workers have been recruited to the existing workforce, promising pick-ups on fly tipping waste within 24 hours and graffiti clean-ups in a phased programme.

The move is in response to complaints from residents about the mess left by others. There were 1,577 calls for clean up action from the public last year - an increase of more than 400 on the previous year.

And in Hartlepool, a mayor's scheme to clean up the town is to be extended.

Mayor of Hartlepool Stuart Drummond initiated Operation Clean Sweep last year in which Hartlepool Council's resources are concentrated on one area of town for a short, intensive period.

Residents will be asked for ideas to improve their area during the blitz period.

The initiative will come to the Dyke House area of Hartlepool on Monday.

Councillor Drummond said: "Until now it has been a case of the council and other key organisations coming up with their ideas as to how areas can be improved.

"However from now on we want to encourage more involvement from residents and get their ideas too on how the area in which they live can be enhanced."

He will meet residents at 9.15am in Perth Street before going on a walkabout of the Dyke House area, on Monday.