Egerton recently had a ward audit which showed the area was vastly improved since this time last year and this week it is Pride in Egerton.

Tina Culley, Chairman of Residents' Action Group Egerton (Rage), which has been largely responsible for the turn-around said: "I went round with several officers from the council. Generally the overall impression was much better than it used to be. Fly tipping was minimal, graffiti was less and we went on a bin collection day which showed many residents are recycling.

"But it's been a community effort. Rage has just been a small part of it. Everyone can be, and is, proud of the area."

The group held a special meeting during the summer break last week for a chance to hear from Inspector Nigel Peters, head of Melton police.

He spoke to the packed room about how the police are tackling crimes in the are and showed the number has gone done over the last year.

This week saw a successful litter pick, the first bingo night in the new community centre in Sysonby Street, free bulky collection today and a 13-plus disco at 7pm tonight.

Tomorrow (Friday) there is a day of activities starting with skittle making at 10.30am; make a belt from old bike tyres noon to 3pm; making musical instruments from your rubbish, noon to 3pm; design your own Olympic sport, 3pm to 5pm.