City gets spring clean

A dedicated army of neighbourhood wardens, residents and student volunteers joined forces to blitz a Southampton neighbourhood of graffiti, litter and petty vandalism.

They cleaned up litter, scrubbed off graffiti and tidied up parts of Southampton's Polygon area.

They assembled in the Central Baptist Church Hall in Devonshire Road before taking up residents' challenge to spruce up the area.

Some of the students taking part from Southampton Solent University are involved in a community volunteering project.

Anne Carty, the university's community projects manager, said: "The idea behind this project is to demonstrate that students care about their community and want to work with residents to make the area a friendly neighbourhood to live in.

"We hope to have more clean-up days in the future, which illustrates our commitment to the community."

Meanwhile residents pulled together to restock a much-loved local garden with plants and shrubs.

Lower Brownhilll Gardens in Maybush was given the Ground Force treatment by members of the Channel Isles and District Tenants' and Residents' Association - thanks to a cash grant from Outer Shirley Regeneration.

The makeover saw residents tidying up the gardens, planting flowers and laying paving stones.

The plants were donated by Branching Out - a local group that offers a variety of gardening services for younger people.

Southampton City Council's senior neighbourhood warden Richard Downs led the gardening effort together with Gary Shawyer - a youth worker on the estate.

Mr Downes said: "It is brilliant so many people within the community are taking part and care about the garden looking good."

An opening party for the garden is due to take place next Saturday where residents will be able to view the results of their labours - and tuck into a tasty feast of hot dogs and hamburgers.

Proceeds will go towards garden funds. Anyone interested in going should contact Paul Hennessey on 023 8039 1131.