VOLUNTEERS have stepped up to create a neighbourhood help point after their council-funded office was axed.

Before cuts closed Clayton-le-Moors and Altham’s Neighbourhood Office in February, its services were described by residents as ‘godsends to the community’.

The drop-in service dealt with everything from flytipping to reporting suspected drug activity.

Now the service has been revived by a team of determined residents using a long-term empty shop off Barnes Square, which is also used by the area’s local councillors.

As well as advising the public on problems such as noise nuisance, the Clayton-le-Moors team have also introduced 17 volunteer ‘street ambassadors’ who will act as community watchdogs.

A co-ordinator in the office will make regular calls to these ambassadors, based thorughout Clayton-le-Moors and Altham, to check for on-going issues.

Ward councillor Nick Collingridge, said ambassadors also refer residents’ problems to the office.

He said: “We point people in the right direction as to what they can do and we also make calls on their behalf.

“Last week we helped a man with noisy neighbours and a woman who had an issue with a rear behind her house being flytipped.

“We tell them what the council can do, give them the contact numbers they need and we can make calls to other services or contact the landlords of properties.”

The initiaitive is made possible by time donated by ten volunteers. The minimal costs of running the office is covered by not-for-profit company and local charity Mercer 1842, which was formed by local residents to help the area.

Residents wishing to use the service can call in the office, at the former butchers at 1 Victor Street, between 2pm and 4pm on weekdays.