A task force, including firefighters, determined to make a real difference to Luton recently concentrated its efforts on Black Alley in Cutenhoe Road.

Officers from Luton Borough Council joined forces with local councillors, students and staff from Barnfield Academy South, the police, the Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service Arson Task Force and crews from Stopsley Fire Station, together with local residents, to carry out a massive clean up in the area.

The team set to work clearing litter and fly-tipping, removing graffiti and painting fences, walls and handrails, cutting back overhanging branches, repairing lighting columns and attaching a convex mirror to improve visibility in the alley, resulting in a spruced-up alleyway.

Cllr Mohammed Ashraf, portfolio holder for community safety, said: "This is the third successful Pride in Luton initiative involving relevant agencies working with local students and residents to improve the area for the local community and helping to make the town a cleaner and safer place to live."

He added: "The one-day exercises complement the massive SoLUTiONs crackdown on crime and disorder, involving hundreds of officers from Luton's Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership targeting a specific part of town for a week of intensive action. Look out for the next SoLUTiONs exercise next month in Leagrave."

If you think somewhere in your neighbourhood needs an injection of pride, call the Luton Community Safety Team on (01582) 733991.