A NORTHWICH neighbourhood is being transformed thanks to the community working together.

Grot spots in Castle have been targeted by a team of volunteers from Northwich Town Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC), Weaver Vale Housing Trust and Roberts Bakery.

The clean up day was the first part of an initiative, called the 'Whole Place' partnership, launched to explore how organisations can pool resources and work together with residents to make an area a more attractive place to live and work.

It coincided with Roberts Bakery's 'Give and Gain' initiative.

Cllr Paul Dolan, CWAC Winnington and Castle councillor, said: "This clean-up is just the start of the changes we will see in the Castle area.

"The co-operation between each of the services will allow local people the chance to change their neighbourhood and come together to improve it."

Karen Kennedy, Weaver Vale Housing Trust's environment team leader, said: "By joining together with a common purpose and listening to the views of local people we will be able to stop duplication of efforts and really make a difference, especially in those areas of Castle that have for various reasons fallen between the cracks."

Lindsay Occleston, from Roberts Bakery, said: "Our community is at the heart of our business, so we’re delighted to be involved in this project and to be helping to make a visible and worthwhile contribution to these neglected areas."

Work included removing fly tipping and litter, cutting back overgrown greenery and removing weeds.

The project will give people the opportunity to suggest other improvement schemes across the town to improve the area further.

Mayor of Northwich, town councillor Andy Stott, said: "The aim is to make immediate improvements to grot spots throughout the town which had previously been highlighted by councillors during ward walks carried out with council staff.

"This will give satisfaction not only to all the people carrying out the work but to local residents that are living in the areas that need some care and attention."