COUNCIL staff and residents got their hands dirty to Make a Difference.

Colchester Borough Homes' second event this year took place in Birch.

It targeted communal spaces in the village.

A Colchester Borough Homes spokesman said: "A number of activities took place in and around Greenfield Houses, Luard Way and Mill Road, including the cutting back of undergrowth, repainting garages, the mulching of borders and edges in the communal garden, and updating and upgrading CBH door entry name-plates and communal entrances.

"The highlight of the day was the unveiling of a new seating, planting and patio area for tenants of Greenfield Houses.

"This tenant-led project created an area for local residents to utilise and maintain together.

"Our Community Housing Officer, who organised the day’s activities, worked closely with tenants to design the area, ensuring it fitted with their vision and aspirations for the space."