The Parkwood estate in Beeston can be forgiven for thinking that it’s been forgotten. It lies half a mile down a winding road between the railway track and the golf course. But yesterday a range of agencies decsended on the estate to help residents spruce it up and give it a spring clean.
Martin Johnstone of Aire Valley Homes
The clean up was organised by Martin Johnstone from Aire Valley Homes and PSCO Kirsty Johnson from the Holbeck Neighbourhood Policing Team. They organised refuse staff and street sweepers from the council, as well as staff from AVH and the Police. The Police also brought their exhibition bus with lots of information to help residents stay safe.
A team from Community Payback also attended to clear a piece of open ground. Community Payback is a punishment for minor crimes and is used as an alternative to prison. It also aims to give something back to the community by undertaking projects such as this.
The organisers were keen to show residents that there are a range of agencies that work on the estate as a team. As well as the environmental clean up they hoped residents would raise other issues with them.
PCSO Kirsty Johnson
One local resident said “I think it’s a good idea, I’m glad to see them. But we also need something for the young ‘uns. The youth centre’s shut and there’s nothing for them to do, but hang about and get into bother.”
