MORE than 250 graffiti tags have been blitzed from the streets of Toothill in the latest clean up by the council's Safe and Clean project.

An army of volunteers were out in force on Thursday scrubbing walls, picking up litter and sprucing up bus shelters.

More than a ton of fly-tipped rubbish was bagged up and cleared along with 64 bags of litter.

But while this might seem like a lot, residents say that the area has shown a monumental improvement over the last 12 months.

Alf Keeble of Harlech Close said: "You should have seen this last year. This time 12 months ago the job had only just begun.

"This time round we completed last year's work before our first tea break."

But for 62-year-old Alf the clean up is a lot more than a community event.

"We have met some lovely people today," he said, "It's a fantastic social event and gives us a chance to actively show some pride in a neighbourhood we love to live in."

Twelve warning letters were given out to people who put their rubbish out too early and eight people were advised about rubbish outside their homes that was attracting vermin.

As well as the clean up, Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was on hand to carry out home safety checks and fit fire alarms.

Police officers also recovered a stolen handbag.

The council's anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, Cheri Wright, said: "It's about taking some pride in where you live and refusing to give in to the graffiti vandals and to all those who litter.

"The area now looks cleaner and safer than it did when we arrived and the volunteers have set a standard which the community can maintain."

The Safe and Clean team began the project in Pinehurst in December 2005, picking up litter, steam-cleaning graffiti and giving residents fire safety advice.

During the first Pinehurst clean-up, three abandoned cars, 50 bags of rubbish, a stolen handbag and three barrels of hazardous waste were found.

Since then, monthly blitzes on neighbourhoods have been helping residents keep their part of the town clean and safe.

Toothill and Westlea ward councillor Steve Wakefield said that he was impressed with the attitude of volunteers in the area.

He said: "This kind of activity not only cleans up a neighbourhood but helps to encourage harmony among residents. It is clear to see just how much happier and at ease people are when the area they live in is a clean safe environment.

"For some this is another form of social interaction they may not otherwise have so not only are they improving their neighbourhood but improving the social side of their community."