A CAMPAIGN aiming to encourage people to take pride in their street is already having an effect.

The Neater Neighbourhoods project was launched in parts of Thamesmead in September by Bexley Council, which hopes to roll it out across other areas as more funding becomes available.

The campaign encourages people to tidy up their front gardens, keeping the grass short and cutting back any overgrown hedges, trees or bushes.

It also asks people to remove unsightly rubbish from their front gardens, including building rubble.

People living in streets targeted by the campaign will receive a visit from council officers to explain what it involves, and to give them a leaflet explaining the campaign’s aims.

Properties identified as having problems will receive a letter explaining why their home has been highlighted and information on how they can put the problems right.

If they are unable to do the work themselves the leaflet also gives details of where to go to get assistance.

Bexley says it will take enforcement action against residents who do not respont to the request to tidy up.

Councillor Gareth Bacon, cabinet member for the environment said the campaign had begun in Thamesmead because there was funding available there.

He said: “So far it has produced very good results.

“We have just had to give people a gentle prod not to let their neighbourhood go downhill.

“No notices have had to be issued.”

It is planned to move the campaign onto parts of Belvedere next month (dec) and then onto Erith, targeting particular roads or neighbourhoods.

To find out more about the scheme, call the Neater Neighbourhoods team on 020 8308 7628, or to report an eyesore front garden call the council’s contact centre on 020 8303 7777.