In 2007 the ‘In Roads’ campaign is throwing its weight behind communities that want to see their local area greener and more colourful, as well as cleaner and free of litter and weeds.
Our first community is the Bells Marsh Road and Pier Plain area of Gorleston, where nearly 14 tons of rubbish was collected during the Environment Action Day in early January. The big clean-up involved the GYB Services DERT team, the Borough Council’s Estate Manager, Environmental Rangers and the Safer Neighbourhood Teams.
Now Estates Manager Carol Silvers and Sue Hacon of Anglia in Bloom are offering people living in the area the chance to build on the success of the big clean-up – perhaps even leading to an entry in an ‘In Bloom’ community category.
“The Action Day has make people realise just what can be achieved,” said Carol. “People don’t want it to slide back to the way it was, but I am sure we can do even better than that. Plants and flowers would help to make the area really attractive. We are already in touch with some local residents, and are keen to hear from anyone who wants to make a real difference.”
Long-time local resident Ruth Jermy believes that the time is right for people to do what they can – and the big clean-up is encouraging her to make more of her own garden. “It really was fantastic – hopefully there will be a good response from the people who live here,” she said.
Sue Hacon said Anglia and Great Yarmouth in Bloom could offer support with things such as hanging basket brackets, planters and communal composters, which would help people get rid of weeds and clippings cleared from their gardens
“People will be astonished at what can be achieved. We already have some marvellous examples in the area, for instance the Cherry Road sheltered accommodation, and Trafalgar Road, which started with one or two putting up hanging baskets. That’s more of a commercial area, but the same thing can happen in Bells Marsh Road if enough people get together to make a start.”
She said she would love to see the area entering the Neighbourhoods or Community categories of Great Yarmouth in Bloom.
Justin Gibbs (Housing Environmental Services Manager) said “Carol Silvers (Estate Manager), Terry Bensley (G.Y.B. Services) and his D.E.R.T. squad did a really excellent job in clearing the rubbish. I am delighted that such a positive follow-up is being developed in the area.”
Anyone interested in supporting the campaign for greener and more attractive Bells Marsh Road and Pier Plain should contact Joan Donohoe, Tenant Participation Officer, on 01493 846521.
The ‘In Roads’ campaign, which is a joint Borough Council and Advertiser initiative, is delighted to support the efforts in the Bells Marsh Road area and will cover progress in future columns. We would also like to hear about any other community initiatives aimed at making our roads and streets cleaner, greener and more attractive. Contact Karla Symonds on 01493 846512.