KIND hearted volunteers pulled on their gardening gloves and gave a spring clean to an area of Ipswich.Piles of rubbish, pieces of wood, old bicycle frames and many other discarded items had been dumped behind the shops in Garrick Way making the area untidy.

By Georgina James

KIND hearted volunteers pulled on their gardening gloves and gave a spring clean to an area of Ipswich.

Piles of rubbish, pieces of wood, old bicycle frames and many other discarded items had been dumped behind the shops in Garrick Way making the area untidy.

To show their support, a group of councillor's gave up their Saturday morning to clean up and give the area a much-needed face-lift.

Graham Manuel councillor for Castle Hill said: "We wanted to show our support for the local shopkeepers who have endured a fairly difficult time over the last few months with vandalism and anti-social behaviour."

"This is just part of the council's overall scheme to tidy up the area."

Ipswich Borough Council has plans to enhance Garrick Way shops by installing new bins, improving the parking area and removing the seats which are a focal point for youngsters.

The council has also pledged £50,000 for the re-development of the recreational park on Fircroft Road, which has not seen change for more than 30 years.

It is hoped by improving recreational facilities for the youngsters, it will take them away from the precinct and encourage more people to shop there.

"Many people feel intimidated by the gangs of kids that gather at the shops," said Joyce Fisher the secretary of Shop Watch.

The playing field will be divided into three areas to cater for children of different ages.

A basketball court, a hard area for football and a five-a-side football pitch will be some of the new facilities on offer.