A CRUSADING councillor who has pledged to clean up Middlewich had his home daubed in paint by vandals.

Cllr David Latham has revived Middlewich Community Pride to encourage residents to join an action group to tidy up the town.

Just hours after an inaugural meeting with volunteers to launch the campaign, hooligans sprayed white emulsion paint all over his driveway.

Northwich Guardian:

Vandals daubed white emulsion paint all over Cllr David Latham's driveway

"It seems like they used a bicycle pump or a spray," said Cllr Latham. "It's not the first time I've been targeted. I've had fat thrown at my windscreen and my tyres slashed. It's childish, petty vandalism.

"They think it might turn me off helping the community, but this sort of behaviour just spurs me on and makes me more determined. In adversity you just grow stronger.

"It is very frustrating when I am trying to improve my home town."

The attack has been reported to the police.

Undeterred, Cllr Latham plans to plough on, fuelled by the enthusiasm and support from local residents.

"We had a good response to the campaign, it all went very well," he said. "We've drawn up a plan of action.

Northwich Guardian:

Cllr David Latham and a team of enthusiastic volunteers will start work next week to clean up the town's grot spots

"I want to say a big thank you to management at St Luke's Hospice warehouse in Winsford who have kindly donated a lot of tools and spades."

Ansa, who deliver waste and recycling services, and Cheshire East Council have pledged to provide safety equipment and gloves.

Artists have also offered to paint murals on hoardings to make empty buildings in the town look more attractive.

"It's about trying to get the community involved in making the town a nicer and better place to live.

"We want to make it more appealing for visitors who drive through, enticing more people to come and stay, shop and do business here."

Business and suppliers are invited to lend their support by supplying equipment or offering sponsorship.

Schools will be encouraged to get involved by designing art work to put in front of empty shops.

Volunteers will be carrying out their first clean ups from 1pm to 3pm on Wednesday, October 30 and from 11am to 1pm on Sunday, November 3.

"We will focus on Town Bridge, Leadsmithy Street and around the church," said Cllr Latham.

Anyone wishing to help is asked to meet at the Boars Head.

The next meeting of Middlewich Community Pride will be held at 7pm on Wednesday, November 6 at the Boars Head. All are welcome.