Ashfield residents had the chance to talk about local issues relating to crime and anti-social behaviour, health and wellbeing, and housing.

Ashfield District Council hosted the event in the New Cross area of Sutton.

Families had a chance to engage with police, the fire service and council services and children looked around emergency service vehicles.

Local councillors Coun Samantha Deakin and Coun Helen-Ann Smith were joined by Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue, and council teams, including Environmental Health, Community Safety and Health and Wellbeing.

The teams joined forces to visit more thn 80 homes in the area. Health and Wellbeing officers met residents as part of the Feel Good Families programme and Environmental Health Officers consulted on the Selective Licensing scheme in the area. Nottinghamshire Fire Officers fitted smoke alarms and discussed fire safety and security measures with the occupiers.

Coun Deakin said: “By holding events like this and continuously engaging with residents, we are able to build community confidence and understand what services can do to assist local communities.

“This is just part of work to gain a better understanding of the area’s needs.

“We know that parts of New Cross have long-standing problems, so this is just the start of work to strengthen communities and make residents feel pride within their local area.”

Many residents took part with one saying: “It’s been fantastic to see different services visit our area and engage positively with so many people.

“This is a good way to build up trust with the local community and understand things from our perspective.”