RESIDENTS on a Halstead street have said they have become closer after ten weeks of celebrating the Clap for Carers event.

Every Thursday, for the Clap for Carers event, residents have been making their way on to Sudbury Road with banners, fancy dress and singing to support NHS and key workers.

The street rolled out its strongest showing of support yet to mark the final official Clap for Carers last Thursday.

The final event was a hit and featured the street’s special song – ‘NHS We Thank You’ – written by residents to the tune of ‘We Will Rock You’ by Queen.

Residents say the weekly celebrations have brought them all closer together.

Elle Swainsbury said: “At the start of these 10 weeks none of us really knew our neighbours.

“But on every Thursday evening we would clap and sing for our carers in thanks, and then we began to recognise each other as familiar faces.

“Weekly conversations across the road became something we would all look forward to.

“Seeing the smiles greet you all the way down the street would brighten your whole week.

“We went from not knowing each other’s names to planning events for after lockdown.”