Over 22 tonnes of waste was collected at events across north Cumbria recently.
Operation Respect saw five events in Cumberland, organised to foster community cohesion.
They were also an opportunity for a community clean-up, advice from experts, exercise, activities, food and interaction with the organisations who keep Cumberland safe.
Cumberland Council’s director of public health and communities, Colin Cox, said: “Hundreds of people attended these events.
“They told us they were able to access services and really appreciated the opportunity to get together, spruce up the area and enjoy a great free day out. We’d like to thank the housing agencies, and all the partners who came together to make it a success.”
Each event was led by a housing provider – Castles and Coasts, Westfield Housing Association, Home Group and Riverside – and co-ordinated by Copeland Local Focus Hub, Carlisle Local Focus Hub or Allerdale Local Focus Hub.
As well as providing fun activities and access to support, the Operation Respect events encouraged residents to chat to the police, council, social landlords and others, about concerns in their neighbourhoods.
Cumberland Basic Command Unit Neighbourhood Policing Chief, Inspector Richard Smillie, said: “We were pleased to have been able to support this summer’s Operation Respect events.
“This was a chance for Neighbourhood Policing Teams to visit local areas, speak to our communities and see the issues the community are facing and address them with our partners.
“We take a partnership approach to tackle issues within our communities and work closely with organisations both within and outside of the local focus hubs to address them.”
Waste agencies were able to collect larger items to prevent them from possibly being fly-tipped.
At some events vulnerable residents’ gardens were cleared. Dozens of bags of litter were collected and 22.4 tonnes of waste were taken away across the five events.
The events were delivered in Harriston, near Aspatria, Westfield in Workington, Beck Green in Egremont, Mirehouse, Whitehaven and Raffles, Carlisle.
Local Focus Hubs are collaborative partnerships set up to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve community safety. The council, police, fire service, housing associations and third sector organisations work to address issues collectively.
