A COMMUNITY partnership will take its first step to improving the Newtown area of Stourport on Sunday.

Organisers of Community Action Newtown - which represents residents, businesses, schools, police, churches and councillors - are urging people to join in a litter pick.

The group was launched earlier this year to combat anti-social behaviour and apply for cash to provide new facilities for young people.

Jill Fairbrother Millis said: "We want to get ourselves known in the community and want the community to get involved in this event.

"It is hoped that litter picks will be a regular part of the group's activities."

She added: "This will be followed by a research questionnaire which will be delivered to about 1,000 households in the Manor Farm estate and Newtown area.

"The aim of this is to find out what nuisance problems people are experiencing and give them the opportunity to say what they like about the area and what improvements they would like to see made."

Residents blamed problems on youngsters.

"It's just nuisance from speeding cars and loud music - they race cars up and down the road," said mum Sarah Gondie, 31, of Manor Road.

"It's accepted but it's not nice."

Brian Evan, 54, also of Manor Road, said: "We have got a problem up here. You get the unemployment so you get groups of youths messing about. There have been one or two anti-social behaviour orders."

He added: "I've never had any trouble personally but vandalism does go on."

Mr Evan welcomed the action group as an "excellent idea".

Equipment will be provided for the litter pick, which takes place from 10.30am to 12.30pm. People should meet at the New Manor pub on Minster Road.