HANDYMEN who keep the Birchwood area ticking over have been given top-level backing by Warrington North's MP.

Helen Jones has seen for herself the range of jobs being carried out by maintenance men working for Birchwood, from landscaping and removing graffiti to disposing of household goods for residents.

The MP said: "This initiative has impressed me for quite some time. The job these handymen do locally makes a real difference.

"Many of the jobs they tackle prevent problems escalating and can help stop a neighbourhood from going downhill."

Currently the town council is in discussions with borough officials over the prospect of taking over a number of community-orientated services.