A huge clean-up has transformed a back lane in Chester-le-Street after faeces, and discarded needles and overgrown plants filled the area.
Durham Police officers, neighbourhood wardens and residents joined forces to clear the lane behind Cooperative Street after anti-social behaviour concerns.
There were reports of drug use, discarded needles and people using the area for urination and defecation.
PCSO Adrian Richards coordinated a number of ‘Days of Action’ alongside Durham County Council’s Neighbourhood Wardens and members of the community.
The work included cutting back overgrown vegetation, safely removing discarded sharps and drug-related paraphernalia, and clearing fly-tipped waste.
Residents during a clean-up operation in a back lane off Cooperative Street, Chester-le-Street.
(Image: Chester-Le-Police on Facebook)
In a statement, officers said the area is not registered with the Land Registry and does not fall under the ownership or maintenance responsibility of Durham County Council.
As a result, ongoing upkeep of the lane is left to nearby residents.
Authorities encourage the community to help keep it clean and free from waste.
A picture of the clean-up operation.
(Image: Chester-Le-Police on Facebook)
Police said they will continue investigating reports of fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour and take enforcement action when those responsible can be identified.
Chester-le-Street North Councillor Tracie Smith took to social media to praise those involved in the effort.
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She said: “Well done to the residents for having pride in their local community.
"Also many thanks to Durham County Council Neighbourhood Wardens and Chester-le-Street Police for organising this clean-up.”
The transformation forms part of wider community work under Operation Drive, which has also seen officers, PCSOs and the force’s problem-solving team carrying out patrols and engagement activities on Chester-le-Street.
Police said these patrols have included speaking to residents and businesses, providing crime prevention advice and giving people the opportunity to raise concerns directly with officers.