RESIDENTS of a Darlington neighbourhood are setting a shining example by cleaning up their streets.

As council cleaning services dwindle in the wake of budget cuts, community-minded volunteers are working hard to plug the gap and improve their neighbourhoods.

The streets around Emley Moor Road and Stocksmoor Close are spick and span thanks to a crew of keen neighbours.

Resident and ‘street champion’ Dave Ward said the efforts of the community were inspiring and should be recognised.

Together with friends and neighbours, the 62-year-old spends hours helping to keep the streets clean and safe for all.

He said: “It’s all about loving where you live and adopting your street – we’ve been doing this for a few years now and our street is a great example.

“People like Pat at number 22 need to be thanked – she’s an elderly lady who goes around picking up litter and there are others just like her.

“They’re all making a big difference and set a great example of what others should be doing across the borough to keep their properties and streets clean.”

He added: “It was terrible before, like a lot of places in Darlington litter was a huge issue for a long time.

“Due to austerity, the council don’t have the staff to run after people like they have done in the past.

“ I’d like everyone to use our area as an example of people who love where they live and I’d like them to teach their children not to drop litter and to keep the streets clean.”

To watch a video on Darlington’s Adopt Your Street campaign, visit: youtube.com/watch?v=ny5Lmgzd7l8.