An estate in Wotton-under-Edge is the latest to be transformed as part of Stroud District Council's multi-million-pound regeneration plans across the district.

Ten blocks of flats in the Bearlands estate, which includes Turnpike Avenue and Pitman Place have been given a fresh look inside and out. New secure door entry systems have been installed and communal areas redecorated and new flooring laid. Fascia's, soffits, drainpipes, guttering, paths and handrails have been replaced, and waste and recycling bins have been improved.

When a consultation exercise was held prior to the works starting, residents raised waste bins and fly tipping as their main areas of concern.

Joe Gordon, Stroud District Council's head of contract services, said: "The recycling bins were frequently contaminated with non-recyclable waste,"

"This led to a delay in the bins being emptied, with the result that they often overflowed. And being sited in a car park meant they were a target for fly tipping and reduced the number of car parking spaces."

The waste and recycling bins have been moved into enclosures in more prominent locations to deter fly tipping, with increased capacity for recycled waste. The car park now has more spaces for residents' vehicles.

As part of the estate regeneration SDC worked with the Bearlands Community Association Group to transform the play area and organised a traffic calming poster competition for pupils at The British School in the town.

Residents Neil McLeod and Jonathan Agard-Evans were the first tenants to use the new bins.

"The new bins should stop the fly tipping that's been a big problem on this estate for years," said Neil.

Jonathan agreed: "I'm a keen recycler so I'm really pleased to see anything that encourages recycling for people on the estate," he said.

Other areas that the council's housing team is currently improving include Chapel Street and Acre Street in Stroud and plans are currently being drawn up for the Paganhill estate following a tenant consultation.