A RESIDENTS’ group is spending £1,000 to “deep clean” a road in the hope of attracting funding to clear up surrounding streets, too.

The work, in Humber Avenue, Jaywick, is being organised by the Brooklands Forum and the Friends of Brooklands.

Dirt and grime, which turns to sludge in the wet, are to be removed and a drainage channel created.

Most of the cash was donated by Colchester art group, Firstsite, in return for the forum’s help with an artwork by Nathan Coley in Brooklands Gardens East.

The aim is to show how the area’s roads, most of which are unmade, could be improved at a relatively small cost. Many roads in the area are unadopted – Essex County Council is not responsible for their upkeep – and are potholed and prone to flooding Mick Masterson, spokesman for the project, said roads in Brooklands turned into mire every time it rained.

He said: “We are a bit sick of no action on this. The council isn’t going to do anything.”

Work starts today, using volunteer labour, and is expected to take about a fortnight.

Friends of Brooklands estimates it would cost £35,000 to do similar work on all 24 roads in the area.

l If you want to help at Humber Avenue, call Mr Masterson, on 07934 382356.