A hotspot for anti-social behaviour has been given a fresh start after the community and local agencies pulled together to give the area a new lease of life.

A hotspot for anti-social behaviour has been given a fresh start after the community and local agencies pulled together to give the area a new lease of life.

Charles Close in Dereham has been at the forefront for complaints from neighbours, and those who live near the area, for some time about issues such as anti-social behaviour and minor criminal damage.

Litter, noise and vandalism all give cause for concern, but now a week-long event looks set to solve the street's problems.

Dereham safer neighbourhood team has been working with other agencies, including the dog warden, Peddars Way Housing, Broadland Housing Association, Breckland Council, the youth offender team, and the town's mayor.

Cycle marking, property marking, crime prevention surveys, dog chipping, a clean-up of communal areas and a mass rubbish clearance, which has seen six skips filled with fridges, sofas and rubble, are just some of the activities taking place.

Sgt Terry Scott, from the safer neighbourhood team, said: “It's been a really good week for the community. Everybody has got involved, from getting items security marked to litter picking.

“There has been a lot of smiley faces in the area. The aim is to give the community a fresh start and give them the initiative and opportunity to have the community they want. Already they've set up a Home Watch scheme.”