RESIDENTS and staff joined forces to help clear up communal areas in council homes,

Colchester Borough Homes held a Make a Difference day at Tayspill Court, Gateacre Court and Kingsford Court in Coats Hutton Road in Shrub End, Colchester.

Volunteers were joined by councillor Pauline Hazell (Con) to help clear the areas of litter, flytipping and moss.

The areas were also given a thorough clean, while electrics were checked on lighting in communal areas.

Tenants and leaseholders had the chance to get rid of unwanted items and learned about insuring their property.