A NORTH Herts partnership visited two towns in a bid to address anti-social behaviour.

Police, the fire service, North Hertfordshire Homes and North Herts District Council (NHDC) were among those who organised two environmental action days in Hitchin and Letchworth GC.

They visited Purwell and Jackmans in a bid to address parking enforcement issues, abandoned vehicles, fly-tipping and litter dropping.

And NHDC contractors Veolia and John O’Conner removed graffiti, cut hedges and cleaned up communal and recreation areas.

Cllr Tricia Cowley, NHDC’s portfolio holder for community engagement, said: “Environmental action days address any early signs of crime and anti-social behaviour in an area and prevent any emerging issues from escalating into more serious ones.

“These are important events which help the organisations become more accessible to the community.”

The fire service was also on hand, calling at houses to offer fire safety guidance and information on home safety and smoke alarms.

Billy McGill, station commander for Baldock and Letchworth Fire Station, said: “These days are very important and provide an opportunity for various partnerships to come together and tackle community issues before they develop.

“It also allows engagement with the residents and from this we can ensure that they are given the correct advice and guidance. The different agencies involved are very visible and I believe that this helps reassure the local community.”