The work is being carried out by the town’s new team of Neighbourhood Caretakers who say they’ve had a warm welcome from local communities.
The new service was launched in August to help transform neighbourhoods across Middlesbrough.
They’re divided into four teams covering the north, south, east and west of the borough, with a focus on tackling local issues and making a visible difference by carrying out essential repairs and maintenance.
And just this week a team has been hard work giving Saltwells Park in Central ward some TLC.
They’ve painted railings, gates and play equipment, cut back overgrown branches and weeds, carried out repairs and given the park a general tidy-up.
Neighourhood Caretaker Adam Ineson said: “We hope that by employing a holistic approach to shared community spaces we can provide green areas that will be considered genuinely more inspiring, and valuable community assets.
“The response from local residents has been really positive, so it’s nice to be able to address their concerns directly.”
Since their launch, the 16-strong Neighbourhood Caretakers have carried out more than 100 jobs across the town, with a full programme of work lined up for the coming months.
In addition to the painting and repair works at Saltwells Park, Central ward Councillors Lewis Young, Linda Lewis and Zafar Uddin have secured a Priorities Fund grant for new play equipment.
The Priorities Fund has also enabled the installation of bollards near the park to combat inconsiderate parking.
Councillor Young said: “Saltwells Park is an important community space and we were keen for it to get a much needed makeover.
“Our Neighourhood Caretakers have done a brilliant job re-painting the fencing and equipment, and we know residents will appreciate their hard work.”
Councillor Lewis added: “The Neighourhood Caretakers have done a great job at Saltwells Park and we’re really grateful for their hard work.”
The Neighourhood Caretaker teams were created as part of Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke’s drive to extend the town’s Area Care service.
Mayor Cooke said: “This is all about getting backing to basics, and responding to what residents tell us they want to see.
“The work at Saltwells Park is a fantastic example of how this approach can make a real difference, and that’s what communities in every part of the town can expect to see over the coming weeks and months.”
