Mannequins and mattresses have been taken off the streets as a community has come together to give a Farnham estate a massive spring clean.

The Chantrys Community Association (CCA) and St Andrews Church recently joined forces to help residents dispose of unwanted items during a weekend clear-up.

Dozens of volunteers took part in the meticulously planned operation with a fully loaded Luton van making three trips to Camberley recycling centre.

“In years gone by the CCA and Waverley Borough Council would organise an estate clear-up, with all the items being placed outside the community centre and WBC organising disposal,” said Sarah Benton from The Chantrys Community Association.

“But these clear-ups ended because when word got out, a lot of commercial and construction waste started appearing so WBC could no longer do it.

“But the need has always been there, so our volunteers met up with David Uffindel at St Andrews to see how they might be able to support such a project.”

David was happy to hire a truck while many congregation members, buoyed by the offer of bacon sandwiches, were happy to volunteer with routes being planned and collection spots booked. The clean-up was a godsend for some residents with plenty of bulky items removed.

Sarah added: “There were so many residents who needed items removing from their homes and gardens who otherwise couldn’t take them.

“We removed a sofa from a second floor flat without a lift, an entire shed from someone’s back garden, unwanted garden furniture, copious amounts of mattresses, broken white goods and even a mannequin.

“We couldn’t have done this without the help of St Andrews, both with funding and volunteers.

“It was great to see the young people of the estate working together with the more experienced volunteers and it shows what a great community we have.”