A MAJOR clean-up operation is due to start in Watford next week.

On Tuesday, work will start to deep cleanse, repair and empty the gulleys on Mildred Avenue, as part of a "deep clean" programme for residential roads and streets across West Watford.

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: "When speaking to residents in West Watford, I regularly hear that although they're happy that street cleaning has improved, there are issues with getting at areas covered by parked cars in the narrow terraced roads.

"We decided to do something about this. I ask that all residents read the literature which is being delivered to them and move their cars to the appropriate parking zone at the required time, as this scheme can only work with your co-operation."

The project is part of the West Watford Environment Action Zone initiative, affecting 2,000 households.

All households in the area will receive a letter from Mayor Thornhill informing them of the work that is to be carried out and giving details of alternative parking arrangements for the day.

The work on Mildred Avenue will be followed by similar repairs and cleaning work in Kensington Avenue and Kings Avenue on Thursday, followed by work across the zone including Chester Road, Harwoods Road and Benskin Road.

The programme runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout March and April, subject to weather conditions.

For the first clean up, residents living in Mildred Avenue will need to move their cars by 9am on Thursday, March 3. The road will then be swept, gulleys emptied and minor repairs carried out. The work should take no longer than three hours.

For more information telephone Paul Burgess on 01923 278608.