Litter picking and tree watering

With the Con-Dems ideologically committed to rolling back the state it looks as though local communities will have to learn to be more active in looking after their own area.

Funding to volunteer and charity groups may be facing cuts, councils may be forced to make savings (fortnightly bin collections anyone) but there is nothing to stop us taking pride in our community.

I find it really encouraging to see the amount of people who take time to pick up litter in Coney Hall Recreation Ground. Recently I've seen dogwalkers going around with a litter picker and a bag and even one resident appeared to drive up there just to walk about and put litter in the bins. I suspect that the Friends of Coney Hall Recreation Ground have much to do with this. The best way to encourage others to follow suite is to do the same whereever you are in Coney Hall.

Bin it, recycle it and you'll be surprised how many people take notice of your actions. Some will even stop and praise you - it's another way to get to know your neighbours!

Tree watering is another way to get out there and make a difference to our community. There have been a number of new trees planted recently, for instance on Church Drive, which will have a small hose like object sticking out of the soil. If you live nearby take the time every now and then to give them a water. We are extremely lucky to have such a leafy neighbourhood so we should do our best to keep it that way.