The latest phase of the Kleen Sweep programme will be visiting a patch covering the town centre to Brambleside all next week in the first of five Kleen Sweeps this year, which will cover the whole borough.

Some of the projects already singled out for attention include a graffitied fence at Grafton Street park and old, faded street signs across the area.

Clubs and community groups will be paid £10 to give signs a fresh coat of paint, sprucing up the area while earning extra money for the clubs and giving people the chance to have a hand in lifting the area.

Kettering councillor Cedwien Brown, portfolio holder for the environment, said: "By recycling our old street name signs we can maintain the traditional look of our streets and help support many charities, community groups and clubs.

"I'm delighted to see so many different aspects to Kleen Sweep this year and how this really adds value to this great local scheme."
The Kleen Sweep will get under way this weekend with a clean-up in and around Mill Road park.

Groundwork North Northants will be in Kettering town centre on Friday, May 23, asking people to sign up to reduce their carbon footprint
Free energy reducing devices such as low energy lightbulbs will be given out.

Trading Standards will also be getting involved in the Kleen Sweep and will be rolling out their Rouge Trader scheme aimed at tackling illegal traders.

And Kettering Council's planning enforcement team will be taking action against derelict land and buildings which are bringing the surrounding area down.

Kleen Sweep involves Northamptonshire Police, the Fire Service, the Probation Service, community groups, residents, Kettering Council and Northamptonshire County Council.

The first three Kleen Sweeps of 2008 will focus on areas of Kettering and the final two will be dedicated to the borough's rural towns and villages.

To suggest a problem for the Kleen Sweep team to tackle, you can fill out the online form at www.kettering.gov.uk or call 01536 410333.