RESIDENTS of a Jedburgh street have came together to clean up their neighbourhood after calls for help went unanswered.

Those living on Grieve Avenue had complaints about rubbish, dog fouling, drug dealing and speeding.

After meeting with the police and the local housing association to address the problems, resident Debbie McCracken decided that it was time those who lived on Grieve Avenue took action themselves.

Since setting up a community group and sending a letter to every resident on the street, more than 30 locals of all ages turned up for a litter pick on Saturday, September 16. The team also roped in the help of Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton (Cons) and MP John Lamont.

Following Saturday's success, the Grieve Avenue group have more plans to improve their street.

Debbie McCracken, the organiser of the community effort said: “Our street has been neglected for a long time with rubbish piling up and antisocial behaviour on the rise. After meeting with the police and the local housing association, it became clear to me that something else had to be done.

“I thought to myself, why can’t those who live here help?

“I sent letters to my neighbours and it was clear there was a huge amount of enthusiasm for us to take charge. People started picking up litter and last weekend we organised a community street cleaning session, which was attended by more than 30 people.

“We have plans to install speed bumps to slow the traffic down, will be holding road safety awareness sessions and are looking in to installing rubbish bins and fence off gardens on Grieve Avenue to reduce litter.

"Drug dealing and people consuming alcohol and drugs within the street is also at an all time high with this then leading to completely unacceptable behaviour from some. This includes loud music until the early hours, fighting, shouting and swearing at all times of the day and night - our children are being exposed to this on an almost daily basis.

“We are also looking in to using a neglected area of land to create a space for children to play and for adults to relax, if we can find the funding.”

MP John Lamont, who attended the litter picking session on Saturday, praised the residents efforts.

John said: “The residents of Grieve Avenue are a fantastic example to us all. Tired of waiting for someone else to intervene, they have decided to get stuck in themselves. I was very impressed with the level of enthusiasm and with the number of people who turned up to the street cleaning session.

“Their plans do not stop with litter picking and I would urge the council and police to do everything they can to ensure the group are able to make the improvements they want.”

He added: “This is a great example of community spirit which is so common in the Borders. I would encourage others who have similar concerns about their street to speak to their neighbours. When people get together, it’s amazing what can be achieved.”