Ilfracombe Clean-Up day brings vast improvements for community
North Devon Homes has proudly delivered a highly successful community clean-up day in Burnside, Ilfracombe. Led by the Neighbourhoods Team, the day bought together volunteers and local organisations to transform the area and make a positive difference for its customers.
The event showcased a strong spirit of collaboration, bringing together 25 volunteers from North Devon Homes, Ilfracombe Town Council, and Perrigo. Ilfracombe’s Tesco and Co-op generously provided refreshments, while The Vision Centre kindly opened its doors to offer additional facilities for the days activities.
“Each year, we select an area within our patch that would benefit from a clear-up day,” explained Leigh McQuaid, North Devon Homes’ Neighbourhood Officer. “This year we chose Burnside because of the opportunities to make a real improvement for the residents. We’ve already seen the positive impact of weeding and cutting back overgrown shrubs in the area, which has made the pathways safer for residents by allowing streetlights to illuminate them without being obstructed.”
North Devon Homes supplied tools, green waste trucks, and vans to remove fly-tipping and tackle extensive weeding along roads, pavements, car parks, and communal areas. Adding to the effort, a North Devon Council road sweeper truck joined in to ensure the area was left spotless.
“Whilst we were all clearing the area, the road sweeper truck from North Devon Council turned up and stopped to see what we were doing,’ said Leigh. “When I explained why we were there, they very kindly agreed to come back towards the end of the day to sweep the whole area for us to remove any debris we couldn’t pick up.”
Leigh continued, “The impact of the day’s work was immediate with Burnside residents expressing their gratitude. One long-time resident commented, “I’ve lived here since 2001, and I’ve never seen the area look so good.” Another resident praised the volunteers, calling them “legends” for their dedication. Feedback has continued to pour in, with many highlighting the difference the clean-up has made to their community.”
Leigh also emphasised the importance of teamwork and collaboration. “Clean-up days like these remind us that we all have a role to play in shaping the communities we want to live in. The teamwork and personal touches by our volunteers is not only about maintenance; but also collaboration and pride in our local communities, showing our customers they’re supported by a community landlord who genuinely cares.
Similar clean up days were held recently in Bratton Fleming and Gorwell where teams of volunteers from led by North Devon Homes tackled weeding, grass cutting, cutting back overgrown shrubs and removing fly-tipping. The Community Landord plans to continue this tradition, encouraging customers and residents to get involved in future events. By fostering collaboration and community pride, the charity aims to create cleaner, greener, and more connected spaces for everyone to enjoy.
For more information about upcoming community initiatives or to get involved, please contact North Devon Homes at [email protected]
