Isle of Wight Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Louise Shorter is encouraging residents in Sandown to help keep their neighbourhood clean this Christmas.

Santa’s ‘Litter’ Helpers in Sandown.

Louise  is working with the community to organise the latest in a series of litter sweeps this Saturday (December 19th at the Foxes Bridge playing fields near Downsview and Perowne Way.

Louise said: 

“A great deal of effort is going into improving conditions at Foxes Bridge so it can be a safer and more enjoyable place for people of all ages. New turf has been laid on the playing field and graffiti was removed thanks to a project supported by several partner agencies.

“It’s important to involve residents in this work so a greater sense of community can be reinforced. Keeping the environment clean is everyone’s responsibility. A well kept neighbourhood can reduce people’s fear of crime. There were more than 150 fewer crimes in the Sandown Bay area between April and December this year compared to the same time in 2008, but the presence of litter can still give some people the wrong impression.”

The latest litter pick is taking place at Foxes Bridge in Sandown between 10.00am and 11.00am this Saturday (December 19, 2009). Residents of Downsview, Salisbury Way, Worcester Close, Winchester Close, Bishops Close and Chichester Close in Sandown are invited to help.

Those involved in the litter pick are also welcome on the top field at Foxes Bridge afterwards for mince pies and Christmas carol singing with pupils from Sandham Middle School.

For more information, phone Shanklin Police Station on 101 or e-mail sandownbay.snt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk