POLICE and the council will begin a drive to help residents get rid of their unwanted household items - with the police getting involved in order to combine the event with a knife amnesty in the area.

From April 26, Redbridge Cleansing Department and Newbury Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) will hold the Big Clean Up in the area, and are hoping residents will bring along everything from DIY materials to pots and pans.

Over the last six weeks, officers from the SNT have conducted regular knife sweeps on the Jaffe Road Estate, just off Ley Street.

Officers reported the success of the initiative, with a bolt-action rifle, four knives, (including a two-foot Samurai sword) and a metal pole.

Police will take a knife bin around the area for people wishing to get rid of old kitchen utensils.