A TEAM of crimebusters who turned to Grimebusting celebrated in style - after transforming a rubbish-strewn stream into an attractive community garden area.

Members of the Cawl Terrace Neighbourhood Watch Scheme turned their attention from crime to grime two years ago to tackle an overgrown and ugly stretch of land running behind their houses.

And now they have cracked open a bottle of bubbly to celebrate the completion of the project in Rawtenstall.

Group member Fred Preston explained: "It all started out when one of the houses in the street was broken into and the thief hid in the Japanese knotweed that was growing 6ft high along the embankment.

"It was then that we decided to get rid of the knotweed - we never thought it would take us two years." The group have worked on the site every Sunday morning without fail for the last two years, helping to dig out and spray the knotweed, clean and re-direct the stream and plant native trees, shrubs and plants.

Fred added: "It has been hard work but well worth it and it has really helped to bring the community together.

"Everyone has got involved from young and old to members of the white and Asian communities.

"We have all made a lot of friends through this."

The group did a lot of fundraising themselves to pay for the project, including holding auctions and car boot sales. They have also won grants from the Mersey Basin Trust.

The Cawl Terrace project is the latest entry in the Grimewatch '96 competition.

Grimewatch is open to schools, businesses, community groups and local authorities. If you are interested in entering call Grimewatch co-ordinator Paul Ingrouille on 01254 678678 extension 244.

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