FLY-TIPPING, litter and graffiti were all targeted during a proactive crime-busting operation in Potters Bar. Officers from Hertsmere Borough Council and Hertford-shire police scoured the town's streets for evidence

FLY-TIPPING, litter and graffiti were all targeted during a proactive crime-busting operation in Potters Bar.

Officers from Hertsmere Borough Council and Hertford-shire police scoured the town's streets for evidence of illegally dumped waste and anti-social behaviour during the two-day exercise on Friday and Saturday.

A number of streets were inspected, including Cotton Road, Bowmans Close, Aston Way and The Grove.

During the operation, litter was cleared from the streets, graffiti identified and faulty street lighting reported to Hertfordshire Highways.

The council additionally resolved to clear a large fly-tip on Barnet Road, while old neighbourhood watch signs will also be replaced.

John Godfrey, the chairman of the Potters Bar Crime Reduction Group, was one of those who took part in the event.

Mr Godfrey told the Potters Bar Edition that he felt graffiti was on the up in the town.

"A lot of it is on green telephone boxes - they are regularly targeted," he said.

"No sooner are they cleaned off then they seem to be targeted again."

Mr Godfrey also said that abandoned shopping trolleys were a problem in the town.

Other residents admitted that litter and fly-tipping in Potters Bar caused them concern.

Janice Gunther, of The Avenue, said there was always litter in the vicinity of McDonald's in Darkes Lane.

And Bill Wilson, of Birch Grove, described the fly-tip in Barnet Road as a recurring problem. The 64-year-old said: "It is a constant problem and we need to constantly contact Hertsmere Borough Council to remind them that there are new fly tips."

Valerie Kane, community safety officer at Hertsmere Borough Council, said the exercise was an opportunity for officers from the council and police to see "first-hand" what issues need to be addressed.

"Anything we couldn't deal with [during the operation] will be reported to the responsible organisation to take action," she added.

For more information about community safety call the council on 020 8207 7801 or email partnership.support@hertsmere.gov.uk