MAKE A Difference day is dubbed MAD day in Colchester for a good reason.

About 30 people, made up of councillors, businesses and volunteers, came armed with litter pickers and bin bags to clear the streets and make a fresh start.

St Anne’s ward was the focal point of the day, starting on Compton Road at 9.30am.

The annual scheme gives the community an opportunity to get involved in weeding, repair works and general maintenance.

Ward councillor Mike Hogg (Lib Dem) spent the whole day helping out.

He said it took a little while for everyone to get up to speed but then it was full steam ahead.

He said: “We cleared the streets of weeds and cut back all the vegetation, we weeded garden beds and tidied up garden furniture.

“An enormous amount of work has been done, it was magnificent and it does look really good.

“The biggest skip you could ever find was filled with rubbish, and it was also an opportunity for residents to get rid of their old furniture.”

Colchester Borough Homes staff were on hand to greet tenants and community members.

Mr Hogg said every door down Compton Road was knocked on to see if anyone was available to volunteer.

He said: “It definitely was a MAD day, everybody got into the spirit and by about 10am we were steaming into it.

“There was a great bit of camaraderie, particularly from the volunteers.

“It was very profitable in terms of community benefit.”

Colchester Council leader Paul Smith (Lib Dem) also popped along to get his hands dirty.

Tina Bourne (Lab), councillor responsible for housing at Colchester Council, said: “MAD days are a great way for our staff, stakeholders and tenants to collectively work together to carry out tasks which will make a difference to local communities.

“These events are always popular and we would encourage people to get involved whether it be volunteering for specific tasks, visiting the hub for a coffee and a chat on the day or feeding back vital information to our staff.

“Of course, we recognise some people aren’t free during the day so the new online consultation will enable them to put their views across and help us shape future projects.”

To find out more about the make a difference days visit the Colchester Borough Homes website. It has launched a new consultation called Your Views, Our Future. Visit www.cbhomes.org.uk/feedback.