Taking a Pride in Parkside, Houghton Regis

Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BLFRS) joined residents of Parkside in Houghton Regis, Central Bedfordshire Council, Bedfordshire Police and the DVLA as part of a 'Pride In' event on the estate.

Following the success of a number of Partnership Environmental Days in 2010 and the recent Pride In Downside event in Dunstable, Central Bedfordshire Council invited residents to join forces and learn more about their area and what services are on offer from local authorities.

During the Pride In Parkside day which took place on 15th February a number of actions took place including:

* Central Bedfordshire Council's waste team cleared away 1.7tonnes of rubbish in the area including a dining room table and a settee;
* The environment team cut back overgrown hedges along pathways in the area;
* Bedfordshire Police provided a mobile police station and distributed information about personal safety and preventing burglaries;
* BLFRS carried out a 'walkaround' with 20 potential fire risk areas being identified and cleared;
* The DVLA clamped three vehicles including one which had a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification);
* Suggestions were made to the housing team about how anti social behaviour could be combatted in the area; and
* Trading Standards distributed a number of leaflets to residents about a range of topics from scams to consumer complaints.

Cllr David McVicar, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles at Central Bedfordshire Council said: "It was very pleasing for the council and our partners to be able to go to Parkside and offer helpful tips and advise about creating a safer neighbour for the residents who live there.

"It is important that we work with organisations such as the Parkside Voice Stakeholders to find out what the local issues are and then assist them in resolving problems.

"The Pride In Days have proven to be popular events and I hope that we and our partners can continue to work together to offer this important service."

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