Locals put hard work back into community

Local Papamoa residents and Western Bay of Plenty Police get involved in the Neighbours Day working bee at the Lynn Grove grass roundabout. Photo/Bent Jansen

Neighbours came together bringing hard work and pride to their community as part of Neighbours Day at a Papamoa working bee today.

Local parents and children got stuck into revamping the area by painting the front fence of Hartford Ave Reserve, decorating the playground with murals and preparing the grass roundabout on Lynn Grove for new gardens which will be planted within the next couple of weeks.

Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty Police organised the community event as locals have expressed they are concerned about the upkeep of the area and anti-social behaviour

"I think it was absolutely awesome to get everybody out and together in a positive light, rather than a negative one." said local resident and home owner Carla Halidone.

Ms Halidone said children seeing the police working along side them changes their mentality.

"It's good working in with the police too, in a real happy and positive light as well and building a safer, stronger community."

Inspector Clifford Paxton who was at the working bee said the event was to encourage the community to take an interest in their neighbourhood and surroundings.

"There's a lot of good people living in this area, and hopefully if we can encourage people to come out like today, interact with their neighbours, take and interest in their community and taking those opportunities where things can be done and improved."