Kettering pupils play their part in cleaning up area near their school

Pupils from St Mary’s Primary School in Kettering have been involved in efforts to clear an area on the corner of Mill Road and Linden Avenue in the town.

PC Ali Ladner from Northants Police said the area has had issues in the past, including anti-social behaviour, rubbish strewn around and people drinking in the street.

But since they teamed up with the school, fire service, Kettering Council and a number of businesses including Ricoh to clean up the area last July, the hard work seems to have paid off.

PC Ladner said it is all about building community ties, and added: “This is for everybody.

“It is about getting people to respect the area.

“It has been six months since we did the work and it is still looking good.

“I hope it is an area which people can be proud of.”

The area was cleared last July and has since been covered in woodchip, with some bulbs donated by local businesses planted by the children.

A new sign went up at the site yesterday (Thursday) carrying four winning posters designed by children at the school warning people about the police’s Fatal Four offences of speeding, drink driving, not wearing a seatbelt and using your mobile phone while driving.

The competition was launched after officers went to speak to pupils about Road Safety Week in November.

Headteacher Diane Wright said: “We are thrilled about the close working that we are doing with the police in so many ways.

“It is not just the educational things, but the police coming in and working with all different age groups.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be working so closely with the police and it’s a great way to build links with the wider community.”

Looking ahead, Sergeant Megan Sae-Tang said they are hoping to continue their work in the community by holding surgeries so people can get in touch if they have an issue or something to discuss.

It is hoped other organisations including Citizens Advice and the fire service may also be involved.

Sgt Sae-Tang said: “It’s about partnership working, trying to get out into the community and speaking to people.”

The first surgery is due to take place on March 8, but the time and venue for this and future surgeries will be published in the area nearer the time.