ROAD sweepers and litter clearers have been out in force in a Banbury estate this week.

Members of the council's green team have been tackling litter and mess in the Bretch Hill area from Monday through to today.

It is part of a Cherwell District Council initiative, which has been running for 10 years, to help improve the appearance of housing areas.

Cherwell District Council lead member for clean and green Debbie Pickford said: "Having just finished our first blitz of the year in Bicester we are now preparing to work our magic on one of Banbury’s largest estates.

"The idea of the blitzes is to give residents a head start in keeping their local estate tidy, by clearing it of rubbish now all residents need to do is take responsibility for their own litter in the future and it will keep the area gleaming."

Residents can also sign up for free bulky waste collections for up to three items.

Yesterday there was a recycling roadshow in Orchard Way from 3pm to 5pm.

Cllr Pickford added: "Our street cleansing team will be going above and beyond their usual duties to get Bretch Hill looking pristine but it doesn’t end there.

"By offering initiatives such as the recycling roadshow and free bulky waste collections, it will hopefully encourage the residents to join in and help keep the area clean and green for everyone."