A SECLUDED spot used by drug addicts was given an overhaul on Tuesday by students who go to a nearby school.

Discarded needles have been found behind bushes on Letchworth GC’s Jackmans estate in the past but pupils from Radburn Primary School have now replanted the area.

The children were invited by North Herts District Council (NHDC) to give the area a new lease of life following requests from residents to resolve anti-social behaviour issues on the site, with the bushes providing shelter for drug users.

Funding for the project came from NHDC, Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) and North Hertfordshire Homes (NHH)

Cllr Tricia Cowley, portfolio holder for community engagement and rural affairs, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to work with HCC, NHH and local residents on this project, and it makes it all the more worthwhile to see pupils from the school put the finishing touches to the area.

“Anti-social behaviour is something we are committed to preventing, and there are various ways of combating it. This is an example of us being able to do something very simple that will benefit the whole community and make the whole area more pleasant to use.”

Lyn Turner, one resident who had expressed her concerns to NHDC, said: “I’m really glad that the bushes have been removed and it’s given me some peace of mind that my grandchildren and other kids on the estate can now play out more safely. I’ve already had several neighbours come and tell me how much they think the area has improved, and it’s great to see to the plants going in today.”