CAMPAIGNERS planning a series of street clean-ups have decided which part of Southend they will target first.

The first big effort by Seal – short for the South Essex Association of Landlords–will focus on an area of the town centre between Whitegate Road and Herbert Grove, as part of the Echo-backed Street Blitz campaign.

Local landlords set up Seal to encourage owners who allow their properties to fall into disrepair to bring them up to scratch.

Volunteers from the group will call at homes this week to ask residents about local eyesores they’d like to see cleared up.

Then on Sunday, June 8 “skip teams” will go out to clear up rubbish and help to “make each road sparkle”.

A Street Blitz banner has been designed by youngsters from local youth clubs and Seal is appealing for volunteers or businesses interesting in take part in the scheme.

Seal member Judith Codarin said: “We have banners and calling cards being printed with the children’s designs on them. Every day another generous offer emerges.

“We have free skips from GBN Skips and free hi-vis jackets from Aztec Site Supplies.

“We have had huge support from the Echo, and local letting agents have agreed to send their staff along. We need a few more sympathetic, confident, professional people to help with the questionnaire sessions starting next Monday for a few days and evenings.

“Then for Sunday, June 8, Sparkle Day, if the weather is good, anyone giving us a hand can enjoy a bit of healthy exercise, some neighbourly chat and be part of working out how to manage our streets so they become a better place to live.

“We only need a few hours of your time to make things happen.”

If you’d like to help with the questionnaires, or the clean-up, or offer Seal some kind of practical or financial help, call 07722 600639 and leave a message, or email info@southeastalliance.org