VOLUNTEERS and council staff rolled up their sleeves to give a community in Colchester a makeover.

Colchester Borough Homes headed to the Greenstead estate for a Make a Difference day.

The event saw teams from Colchester Borough Homes – along with residents and volunteers – pitching in to make improvements in the area.

The aim of the project was to give the area a clean up and encourage pride in community spaces.

During the day, residents helped to paint fences and trees were cut back to allow the area to get more natural light.

Shrubs were also removed in order to allow for further planting in the autumn and mulch was put down on flower beds in the Duffield Drive area.

In addition, 15 garages were cleaned and painted and carpenters fitted a new gate to a drying area and repaired some fencing.

Street wardens carried out a litter pick of the area and pathways and kerb sides were weeded.

Karen Williams, head of housing for Colchester Borough Homes, said: “Today has been another fantastic day where we have worked together to make a real difference to our community.

“These days are so important to us and our residents continue to give us great feedback about them. It gives me an enormous sense of pride that we continue to achieve so much.”

A series of other Make a Difference days are also in the pipeline.

They include a visit to Kersey Court in Shrub End on June 30, Chant Court in St John’s on July 28, Ladbrook Drive in Old Heath on August 25 and Mimosa Court in Greenstead on September 29.

The last visit of the year will be to Stephen Cranfield Close in Rowhedge, to take place on October 27.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering for the next Make a Difference day or who would like to know more about the scheme can contact Colchester Borough Homes by emailing info@cbhomes.org.uk.