Even the Speaker of Hackney mucked in and got her hands dirty for the annual Clean Up Clapton Day this morning. last Tuesday.

Cllr Susan Fajana Thomas chipped in blowing away leaves for the annual make-over event, designed to improve the image of the place which used to be known as “the murder mile.”

Various cleaning activities and environmental improvements took place around BSix College in Kenninghall Road including paving stones jet cleaned to remove gum, and new pavements laid in Upper Clapton Road.

Cllr Michael Desmond who was helped behind the event said: “Overall, crime figures in Clapton have been falling year on year, equally importantly, fear of crime has reduced.

“This event helps to invigorate the community and give it pride in its environment,” he added.”