Police have cordoned off of an Aberdeen street in an effort to “clean up” the neighbourhood.
Officers are currently on the scene at Manor Walk in Northfield speaking to local residents about a regeneration project.
As part of the overall regeneration of the area, the Northfield Community Policing Team has secured funding of £4,000 from Aberdeen City Council to revamp a section of Manor Walk in Northfield.
Officers in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and police youth volunteers are fighting to improve the area for the good of the community.
Earlier Inspector Andy Barclay said: “We are delighted to have secured funding from Aberdeen City Council to improve part of Manor Walk. At the moment, the area, which is communal ground, is unused however with some work it could become a positive focal point for the community.
“Over the next few weeks we will be looking to local residents to help us identify what they would like done with the area and get their views and ideas of what could be done.
“We will also be looking to identify residents and community groups who wish to be involved in the project. Plus any local businesses who might like to be involved or contribute in any way, be it with resources, materials or financial assistance.”
The inspector added: “We will use the consultation period to gather as many views as possible.”
The first stage of public consultation is taking place today where the area was cordoned off and a mobile Police office was placed at the sight to generate interest within the community.
Members of the community policing team have been joined by the Northfield Total Place project team, Aberdeen City Council architects, community wardens, Police Scotland Youth Volunteers and the streetwork team, to provide an overview on what facilities and projects are available and an update of the planned regeneration work to the area.
Inspector Barclay continued: “Part of our successful bid centred on listening to the views of young people in Northfield and responding to their request to clean up the area. In conjunction with the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers plus the eco-groups at both Manor Park Primary School and Northfield Academy, we aim hold a number of litter picks during the spring to encourage local ownership and pride in the community.
“The whole project is an exciting development for the local community and I’m pleased that the Northfield Community Policing Team have been successful in their bid for funding. My team and I are very much looking forward to working with local residents on the project.”
Aberdeen City Council’s vice-convener of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure, Councillor Gordon Graham, echoed those comments. He said: “We are very pleased to be supporting this regeneration initiative which will be of great benefit to the local community.
“This funding has been made available from a City Council underspend and is being distributed using a ‘Participatory Budgeting’ approach which empowers citizens to make decisions on where and how money will be spent.
“In this instance, young people from across the Northfield area voted for specific projects they wanted to see in their area.
“We always want to see local people getting involved in the decision-making process, and I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation.”