A new scheme set to resolve tensions in neighbourhoods and promote community respect was unveiled for the first time this week.Civic Pride Spring Clean sees local agencies and groups, such as safer neighbourhood teams, Norfolk Drug and Alcohol Action Team(DAAT), and Job Centre Plus, work together over a short period of time to improve community safety and drive down crime in certain neighbourhoods.

A new scheme set to resolve tensions in neighbourhoods and promote community respect was unveiled for the first time.

Civic Pride Spring Clean sees local agencies and groups, such as safer neighbourhood teams, Norfolk Drug and Alcohol Action Team(DAAT), and Job Centre Plus, work together over a short period of time to improve community safety and drive down crime in certain neighbourhoods.

The action week, is the first of its kind in the county, is taking place at Abbey Estate in Thetford until Friday. It is be one of six planned for the next year.

Activities range from targeted police patrols and enforcement activity, advice surgeries on health, housing and community safety issues, and environmental clean-ups of graffiti, fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles.

Police and the DVLA are working together to target illegal motorists and vehicles on the roads, and the Safer Neighbourhood Team and traffic wardens will focus on traffic congestion at local schools.

Supt Gavin Tempest, who is responsible for safer neighbourhoods, said: “Norfolk is a low crime area and one of the safest parts of the country to live and work.

“But that doesn't mean we shouldn't combine resources to improve the situation here. Particularly when asked by local people to tackle the more enduring problems that are lowering their quality of life.

“Civic Pride Spring Clean is part of our commitment to work in partnership with the community to provide local solutions to local problems.

“We see respect action weeks as a powerful tool to engage local people and tackle these priorities.”

Other organisations involved are the Gang Master Licensing Agency, social housing providers St Matthews Housing, Peddars Way Housing and Orwell Housing.

A booklet offering useful numbers and tips from all the agencies involved should have been delivered to 1200 homes by Thetford SNT.