�Volunteers, local residents and Havering Council staff will be joining forces to clean up Elm Park next weekend in preparation for the Christmas lights’ switch-on.

The group will come together on Sunday, November 18, to clean up the area for Illuminating Elm Park, which is due to take place the following week.

Ingrid Brandon, chairwoman of the Elm Park Regeneration Partnership, said: “Anyone is welcome to join us on the day – it doesn’t matter if you’re old or young.

Equipment

“The council is providing all of the equipment we need, including bin bags, litter pickers, gloves and high visibility jackets. We’ve even got some plants donated by the local florist to brighten up the Broadway. There will be refreshments provided for those who give up their time to help.

“It might be quite chilly so I suggest everyone who is coming along wraps up warm and snug. I would also recommend waterproofs and sturdy boots. Why not make it a family outing?”

The clean up will be the first one organised by the council’s Cleaner Havering Campaign team, who are working with Elm Park Regeneration Partnership and the Havering Association of Voluntary and Community Organisations (Havco).

Cllr Barry Tebbutt, cabinet member for environment, added: “We’ve launched the Cleaner Havering Campaign to address the issues that residents told us concerned them the most; dog fouling, litter and vandalism.

“At the same time, we asked residents if they’d like to get involved, and this is the result; communities coming together, supported by the council, to clean up their local area.

“I’m pleased to be a part of this effort, and I would recommend that, if you’ve the time, come and join us making the borough a cleaner and greener place for everyone to enjoy.”

If you are interested in helping you can meet the group at 10.30am outside the Elm Park Caf� on the Broadway.

n Residents who want to join in can also contact Ingrid Brandon on 07941 275426 or contact Sarah Huckerby-Long at Havco on 01708 742881 or email Sarah.huckerby-long@havco.org.uk.