THERE’S a new sleuth in town, whose job is to get 'on the case' of the Alcester community’s issues.

Warwickshire Rural Housing Association (WRHA) has introduced Sherlock Homes, a new mascot who will be investigating how the work the housing association carries out on a daily basis makes a difference to the lives of local people.

Recently, during first case Sherlock joined a special skip clearance day in a bid to clear up the town.

A large builders' skip was placed at the end of Beacon Close and WRHA’s 80 residents were invited to clear out any unwanted items from their homes, gardens and alleyways.

Residents filled the skip with a whole host of items ranging from general household rubbish to children’s toys, furniture and garden tools and waste. Unwanted items were also collected from residents with reduced mobility.

WRHA housing officer Philippa Osborne, said: "The aim of the event was to make it easy for residents to get rid of any rubbish, especially large and bulky items, as part of our work to improve communities.

"It proved so successful that an additional two ton skip was ordered when the first filled so quickly. We hope that Sherlock will hope to raise awareness of how we’re addressing local issues. As his namesake, Sherlock Holmes, says: 'There is nothing like first-hand evidence.'"

WRHA, which manages more than 500 homes in 43 communities, provide affordable homes in rural Warwickshire for people who would not otherwise be able to afford to live within their own communities.