A multi-agency operation aimed at cleaning up, revamping and encouraging a better lifestyle in parts of south Telford has been hailed as a big success by the organisations involved.
Operation Team Sweep was led by the South Telford Partnership through the Safer Stronger operation group.
Those involved included Transforming Telford, Telford & Wrekin Council, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Mercia Police, Gorge and Madeley parish councils, Wrekin Housing Trust and Telford & Wrekin Primary Care Trust.
The initiative, which previously focused on individual estates, took in Woodside, Cuckoo Oak, Madeley and the Gorge in a week-long joint operation.
During the week of proactive action at the beginning of July, three bus shelters were fully refurbished, five were cleaned and one old shelter is to be demolished and removed.
Twenty-seven vehicle inspections were carried out, 14 fifteen-day notices to remove vehicles were served and 12 large bags of rubbish and five fly tips were removed.
Firefighters carried out house surveys and distributed more than 500 fire safety leaflets and Wrekin Housing Trust dealt with untidy gardens of tenants, removed rubbish spotted while on estates and referred issues to relevant services.
Education welfare officers made 80 successful visits to students and their families resulting in positive action to increase attendance at school.
Community support officers worked with other services, including education welfare officers and the dog warden, as well as carrying out high visibility patrols.
Police issued 22 penalty notices for motoring offences, including speeding, using mobile phones, not wearing seat belts, or having no tax, MOT or insurance.
Eight vehicles without insurance or tax were seized and eight drivers reported for summons for driving without insurance or a without a licence.
Sergeant Louis Hylton, Local Policing Sergeant, said: “Operation Team Sweep is a good example of partners getting together to deal with issues affecting the local community and this operation carried out using the Automatic Number Plate Recognition Team and the North Road Policing Support Team is a good example of partnership working.”
Will Schofield, regeneration manager at Transforming Telford, which is spearheading the regeneration of Woodside, one of the areas involved, said: “We are delighted with the results of this action which will make Woodside and south Telford a better place to live.”