SOHAM s annual Environmental Action Day yielded improvements on last year. Two parties of residents, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and council officers toured earmarked trouble spots around West Drive and Northfield Park but were pleasantly surpr

SOHAM's annual Environmental Action Day yielded improvements on last year.

Two parties of residents, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and council officers toured earmarked trouble spots around West Drive and Northfield Park but were pleasantly surprised to find gardens and communal areas in good condition.

"Apart from Northfield being inches deep in dog doo, it was much better than last year," said Cllr Tony Hinsley.

"We went to look for needles and abandoned cars," added Liberal Democrat town councillor Anne Pallett. "This time there was very little litter, and we found three cars whose tax discs were out of date. We then had a spot of lunch and met up with the graffiti squad who were doing their community service. One of the lads said that Soham might benefit from a graffiti wall. It gives them something to do and they can take photographs, and paint over it afterwards."

Councillors are now considering setting up a graffiti wall next to the town's new skate ramp, which could be rebuilt with money obtained from developers for town improvements.

"Perhaps we can accommodate a wall in our new skate park, and have one wall for kicking a ball against, and one for painting," said Rosemary Aitchison.

Gloria Walker, the town clerk's assistant told the Ely Standard: "We had a skate ramp years ago, which was closed because of health and safety as it was being so badly vandalised, but money from one of the developers has been earmarked for a new skate ramp and improvements to the play area on the recreation ground."

It may be a little while off yet, as we can only obtain the money once 50 per cent of the new houses have been occupied.