Brentwood Council will host a “Volunteer action day” to launch schemes to get residents involved in helping the area, the Recorder can reveal.

The day, on August 17, will also include free family entertainment at King George’s playing fields.

Councillors hope “Street Watchers” can “become the eyes and ears of the council, keeping streets clean and safe” and some residents will “adopt a street” to do this.

Also being launched is the Brentwood Community Volunteers group – people who will pick up litter from Brentwood’s streets.

Council leader Cllr Louise McKinlay, said: “This is all about the council showing our support for residents who already contribute to their local neighbourhood environment, but to also encourage more residents to take part, complementing our services and all working together to keep the streets in our borough clean and safe.”

‘Responsibilities’

The entertainment at King George’s playing fields will include bouncy castles, Punch and Judy and balloon modelling.

The council says it is being funded through savings made from its back office service review.

Cllr McKinlay added: “This is a great example of how we can deliver extra services for residents by working more smartly and freeing up money for events such as this. We have specifically chosen the school holidays to launch this to provide free fun and entertainment for the youngsters, whilst taking the opportunity to raise awareness of the community events that are on offer. I am very much looking forward to the day.”

Lib Dem leader Cllr David Kendall said he is supportive of the proposed volunteering initiatives as a whole, as long as the extent of the responsibilities of the council remain clear.

Labour leader Cllr Mike Le-Surf said: “There’s a definite difference between service provision and replacement. We all do our bit in Brentwood already.

“Picking up litter is great if it doesn’t replace the regular litter pick-ups provided by the council.”