Sam EmanuelAfter living to the west of the city his whole life and sensing a decline in community spirit and pride in the area, Mick Ashby has dedicated the last three years to improving the quality of life for people living around him.Sam Emanuel

After living to the west of the city his whole life and sensing a decline in community spirit and pride in the area, Mick Ashby has dedicated the last three years to improving the quality of life for people living around him.

The Norwich City Council Neighbourhood Warden, who works in Bowthorpe and the North Earlham, Larkman and Marlpit (NELM) area, works with people of all ages to tackle local problems and encourage people to take ownership of where they live.

His work includes helping to clean up graffiti, dealing with issues including amplified noise, flytipping, abandoned cars and anti-social behaviour, working with the West Norwich Junior Rangers, who are aged 11 to 16, and going to community functions and Safer Neighbourhood Action Panel (SNAP) meetings.

Mr Ashby, who lives in west Norwich with his partner Karen, said: 'I wanted to try and get things back to how they were when people had a bit of respect. We are trying to help people take ownership of their area.

'Years ago, if there was litter outside their house, they would have picked it up and put it in the bin, but now they would think it's not their problem. In some parts of our area things have declined a bit and people now think that is the norm on certain streets.'

As well as his good work on the streets, Mr Ashby, who enjoys playing squash, walking and gardening, could soon save someone's life with a bone marrow donation.

He said: 'I'm now waiting because I'm a possible match to someone and we are having the finals tests to confirm it, so hopefully I will be asked to go in to donate soon. I joined the bone marrow register because I've been a blood donor for years and thought that it doesn't really cause me any problems but it could save someone's life.

'I just like to help people. When I've done a good job I get a lot of pleasure out of it. If we have helped somebody it brings a smile to my face.'

Anyone needing help from Mr Ashby and the rest of the Neighbourhood Warden team in the area can call 01603 212100 24 hours a day.

Do you know anyone who goes the extra mile for people who could be featured in the Good Neighbour Campaign? Call Sam Emanuel on 01603 772438 or email sam.emanuel@archant.co.uk.