TIRED Ipswich streets could soon be receiving a makeover from the MAD squad.As the Evening Star battles fly-tippers in its Dump the Dumpers campaign, Ipswich Borough Council is sending its MAD (Make a Difference) squad to Bridge Ward.

TIRED Ipswich streets could soon be receiving a makeover from the MAD squad.

As the Evening Star battles fly-tippers in its Dump the Dumpers campaign, Ipswich Borough Council is sending its MAD (Make a Difference) squad to Bridge Ward.

The team will be tackling the ward's eyesores – and will be picking up litter, removing graffiti and tackling overgrown vegetation and weeds.

It will also be removing redundant street signs and planting trees and flower-beds.

Abandoned cars will also be on the receiving end of this blitz – especially as Ipswich Borough Council is currently shifting an average of 100 abandoned cars every month.

This initiative, being launched in the first week of December, is a trial scheduled for December and January.

If successful, the trial will be extended to all 16 wards.

The MAD squad could even end up regularly descending on each of the borough's wards on an annual basis.

Councillor Harold Mangar, portfolio holder for environment and transport, said: "What we are hoping is that people will know when to expect to see MAD descending and trying to make a difference to where they are living."

People in Bridge Ward will be asked for their suggestions on areas they want tackled before the MAD squad arrives.

Cllr Mangar said: "We will be delivering leaflets to all 3,500-plus homes in Bridge Ward. There will be a telephone number and an e-mail address for them to use. We want people to help us to help them.

"People could also help by picking up litter and having pride in their neighbourhood and keeping it tidy."

The MAD squad will consist of a three-strong core team of supervisor and two tradesmen - and will also be able to call on the help of people such as the community caretakers, tree surgeons and graffiti-clearers.

Tracey Lee, a corporate director for the borough council, said: "The regular maintenance programme will continue, but this is about having an extra boost in what we are doing."

The borough council has insisted this will not affect council tax levels.

Cllr Mangar added: "This should not affect council tax at all. We are using resources within the borough.

"We are not employing any extra people, we are deploying them in a different way."

Anybody who has suggestions for the MAD squad can call the Cleaner Ipswich hotline on 01473 433000 or email mad@ipswich.gov.uk