RESIDENTS of a St Albans estate have dedicated time during their summer holidays to cleaning up areas of their community with the help of local environmental charity Groundwork Hertfordshire.

The Oysterfields estate in St Albans, which has an above-average level of deprivation and also suffers from anti-social behaviour, has been hosting work days to clear up the community.

The aim of the project, which has seen Groundwork in partnership with Aldwyck Housing Association and funding from the Local Strategic Partnership, is to empower the community to take ownership of their neighbourhood, volunteering during the work days to benefit the whole estate.

Residents have been litter picking, clearing overgrown areas and having a “skip day”, as well as introducing aesthetic improvements such as hanging basket/flower bed planting and fence painting.

Megan Taylor Rose, community project officer at Groundwork, said afterwards: “The response from the residents of Oysterfields has been fantastic!

“I can’t believe so many people have been willing to give up their time voluntarily to help do lots of clearance and cleaning work.

“This just goes to show the willingness and enthusiasm residents have when given the chance to improve their area.

“I hope that after Groundwork’s involvement, residents will use the new friendships and skills they have learnt to continue the good work on the estate.”

The final volunteering day takes place next Tuesday, August 17, with a celebration event for residents on Saturday, September 4.

For more information on getting involved, please contact Megan on 01707 255177.