SWARMS of police officers and litter pickers descended on Greenstead for a day of action.
They joined forces with council workers and a host of other organisations for the special event which was organised to boost the area and tackle and problems or issues.
Nearly 500 Greenstead residents returned surveys to Colchester Council before the event.
They identified litter, dog fouling and anti-social behaviour as the worst problems in the area, which boasts the worst crime rate of any area in Colchester outside the town centre.
As part of the day of action cops patrolled the streets and talked to residents, as well as monitoring traffic speed and carrying out spot-searches for drugs.
Sergeant Lou Middleton said: “This area has a high crime rate, only behind the town centre, so it is a key ward for us and one we need to focus on."
Street cleaners and litter pickers were also out in force as part of the event along with animal wardens, health experts and recycling advisors.
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