BUSSAGE and Chalford were the focus of intense activity from the Stroud Safer Stronger Communities Partnership last week.

The partnership, which is made up of Stroud District Council, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue and the county’s police force, held a Pride In Your Neighbourhood event in the two villages on Thursday (June 21).

As part of the initiative, the fire service fitted smoke alarms, council workers offered youngsters free cycling lessons, and neighbourhood wardens and police community support officers chatted with residents.

Environmental health officers were also on hand, advising villagers on noise, smoke and light nuisances and SDC’s dog warden inspected the area, handing out free poop scoops and dog tags. Roads and pavements are also due to be swept over the next fortnight to give the areas a spring clean.

Phil Sullivan MBE, head of community safety for Stroud District Council, said: "By working with residents and letting people know that we are here to help, and by giving the area a spring clean, we aim to improve the quality of the local environment for people.

"We also aim to reduce the fear of crime, build community cohesion and generally make them feel more positive and safer about where they live."

Two more events are planned for Forest Green and Paganhill between now and October.