A NEW community project has been set up to give Whitefield a summer clean up.

The Clean and Green project aims to breathe some new life into the town through litter picks, planting new flower beds and park spruce ups.

It has been set up by community volunteers, housing providers and ward councillors, and also aims to help overcome some of the challenges of social-isolation experienced during the coronavirus lockdown.

Councillor Lucy Smith said: "Covid-19 has seen a surge of good will as people want to help one another.

"We wanted to help co-ordinate some of this work to make brighten up the place and allow people to work together outside and in a socially distant way.

"The reception we have received has been amazing."

The first ward to get a makeover was Besses, with work including a litter pick at Thatch Leach Lane Park and planting of bedding flowers.

Throughout the summer there will also be clean ups of other parks and special days for both the Victoria and Hillock estates.

Volunteers will also be planting flowers in the gardens for people who have been self-isolating, making masks and planning family activity days on Boz Park every Thursday.

Councillor Mary Whitby said: "Coronavirus has hit us all in very different ways, even those of us who haven't been ill with it.

"Lockdown has meant kids have missed up to six month of school, those lonely or isolated have become even more so and all your plans have been knocked off track.

"We hope our summer project will make a real difference to how everyone is feeling. "

Councillor Andrea Simpson added: "Lockdown isn't over, it's just been relaxed which is why all our activities are outside, with necessary distancing and equipment.

"It is important that we clean up the area but also important that we stay safe while doing so."