A MULTI-headed agency broom gave a clean sweep to part of a town. Letchworth East became the first area in the garden city to be targeted for an environment action day. It brought together representatives from the fire and rescue service, police, North He

A MULTI-headed agency broom gave a clean sweep to part of a town.

Letchworth East became the first area in the garden city to be targeted for an environment action day.

It brought together representatives from the fire and rescue service, police, North Herts District Council departments, the DVLA and North Hertfordshire Homes.

Sixty people took part in last week's operation.

A massive amount of refuse was removed by three lorries, 16 vehicles were clamped, three abandoned vehicles taken away and graffiti cleaned from walls.

The council's building control department was on the look out for dangerous buildings and structures and discovered two unstable properties.

A number of people visited the fire and crime information units which were set up in the area, providing vital safety advice from the experts.

Ian McKenzie, station commander at Baldock and Letchworth Fire Station, said: "The weather didn't dampen our spirits and we were out in force by half past seven in the morning. We were greatly encouraged by the tremendous positive feedback we received while we went about our work."

"Environment action days are always worthwhile and this was no exception. All of the agencies that took part benefited and we are happy that we have done our bit towards making the town a cleaner, safer and better place to live."

Insp Geoff Camp from the police community team added: "Letchworth East happened to be the first area targeted, primarily because it has experienced a small number of recent minor fires in refuse or discarded jumble.

"The agencies are now reviewing where and when intervention will occur next. Letchworth East, like the rest of the garden city, is a pleasant and safe place to live and action days like these help it to stay this way."

Cllr Lynda Needham, council portfolio holder for environment, said: "This exercise was a very good example of what can be done by all the services working in partnership.

"It will help our strategic objectives of creating safer and healthier communities in North Herts and we intend to hold more of them in future."

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