Residents love where they live thanks to estate project

Published by Kelly Elliott for Cestria Community Housing in Housing and also in Communities

Residents on a North East housing estate have been given cameras to record improvements they would like to see in their area as part of a new community project.

At the end of last year people living in the County Durham village of Sacriston were experiencing problems with anti-social behaviour such as graffiti and littering.

In response, housing association Cestria Community Housing teamed up with local partners to set up a new project, designed to tackle the problems and give local people the chance to make a difference to their area.

Part of Keep Britain Tidy’s ‘Love Where You Live’ scheme, the project is already proving a big hit with people living in Charlaw Close, Lingey Close, Acorn Close, Fulforth Way, Reath Court and Richmond Court.

In just a matter of weeks an action group has been formed, with members planning to meet soon to discuss the changes they would like to see.

Residents have also compiled a ‘wish list’ of priority issues they would like to be addressed, including adding more salt bins, planting bulbs, installing speed ramps, improving street lighting, tackling drink and drug issues and setting up a community house.

Cestria’s building services manager Nik Welsh has been involved in the project and said: “Residents in the area are really excited at the idea of making a difference to their community.

“There have been some brilliant suggestions put forward and we are already acting on these – for example we have already installed two extra salt bins.

“Residents in Sacriston have real pride in their community and this project aims to empower them to achieve the changes they want to see.”

At the most recent meeting, residents were given disposable cameras to allow them to capture images of the areas on the estate in need of improvement, as well as those they are proud of.

The photos will determine what future changes will take place.