A clean sweep for Ramsden

Residents living in the Ramsden area of Orpington saw the estate get a face-lift this week when it was the subject of a major clean-up and advice day.

Broomleigh Housing Association, working in partnership with the London Borough of Bromley and the police, are holding a series of regular clean-up events as part of their commitment to making life better for residents.

BEST (Broomleigh Environmental Services Team) were joined for the make-over by a variety of local agencies and volunteers to remove graffiti and look for untaxed and abandoned vehicles. A large skip was also on site to help residents dispose of unwanted items from their homes.

Vicky Bonner, assistant director of tenancy services for Broomleigh, said: “The aim of the clean-up day is to enhance the quality of life for residents on the Ramsden estate. Through working in partnership with other agencies, we can achieve environmental improvements that will make a real difference to people living on the estate, both in terms of the physical appearance as well as safety and security.

“There has been a combined and strenuous effort from all the agencies involved to make this happen. An operation on this scale can only be achieved through working effectively together.”

Ramsden is the largest of Broomleigh’s estates and is currently undergoing a major programme of regeneration and redevelopment. Environmental improvements have already begun and over the Easter holidays young people were invited to have their say on plans for the estate through a series of consultation sessions.

Cllr George Taylor, Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Safety and Chairman of the Safer Bromley Partnership said: "The council is delighted to have spearheaded a programme of regular cleanups in different parts of the borough. This latest event on the Ramsden Estate brought together a number of partner agencies to help make Bromley’s streets cleaner and safer.

“We hope that residents will continue to get involved and work with our council teams, Broomleigh and the police to introduce and promote improvements and a sense of pride in their local surroundings. I witnessed this for myself during the cleanup event in January and firmly believe it is only by working together that we can overcome the actions of the thoughtless minority who cause unsightly litter and damage around the borough."

Broomleigh is also working towards re-launching the community flat at Meon Court and is about to start holding surgeries where residents can go along and talk to housing officers. If residents have any ideas they would like to discuss they are invited to call 020 8313 3310.