Council tenants in Walton are benefiting from a major scheme to improve the area around their homes and reduce vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Spendells Close - which incorporates 33 properties in D'Arcy House, Rivers House and Rochford House and an adjoining sheltered housing scheme containing 31 flats - is undergoing a significant environmental facelift.

Tendring District Council (TDC) is carrying out the work in phases and the aim is to get it completed in 2009.

The area is currently open plan and has attracted vandalism, anti-social behaviour and dumping of rubbish.

The improvements are designed to tackle those issues and create a safer and more pleasant environment for everyone living in the road and surrounding area.

Included in the overall project is:

 The creation of two areas for community use
 An enclosed garden area for each block
 A ramped access to each block
 Secure fencing along the boundary
 Extra lighting, signage and associated works
 A centralised refuse and recycling area
 The demolition of existing refuse stores and sheds
 Extra and improved parking
 Repairs to garages and resurfacing the garage areas.

Mark Cossens, TDC's Portfolio Holder for Housing, said the scheme should make a significant difference to those living in Spendells Close.

"The individual properties are of a good standard but it is the communal areas which have deteriorated and are the priority need for this major repair and upgrade," he said.

"The first phase has already been completed and we are now working on the next phase which will take around three to four months."

This phase is costing £120,000 and the whole environmental enhancement is expected to cost more than £200,000.

Cllr Cossens said that he is going to visit Spendells Close in the next few days to see how the scheme is progressing.

TDC carried out full consultation with the tenants to find out their views on the proposed works.

As part of the current phase of the scheme the number of car parking spaces is being increased after taking on board the residents' feedback.

"We have listened to what our tenants and leaseholders living in Spendells Close had to say and I am sure they will be delighted with the end result," added Cllr Cossens. "It will improve their quality of life."