Thursday 5 July 2007
Joining forces at new community

A new community group in Papworth Everard is on the look out for members to champion local causes.

Residents at Pendrill Park, where housing association bpha owns and manages 18 homes, have joined forces to provide activities and events for local families.

With the help of bpha, their police community support officer and charity the Varrier Jones Trust, mums Tracy Watson and Jo Phoenix have launched the area's first community group.

So far they have held a family away day at Wimpole Hall Farm and organised an Easter egg hunt during the school holidays. Now they would like more members to take on other roles.

With the help of bpha's community development team, the mums originally carried out a survey of their neighbours to find out what sort of activities were needed in the area.

A special questionnaire was also devised for young people to ensure everyone got a chance to have their say.

Mrs Watson said: "There are a number of young families at Pendrill Park so we felt it would be good to provide some events and activities to keep them entertained.

"By focusing our efforts on school holidays, we are providing constructive activities the youngsters can enjoy, while also reducing the likelihood of anti-social behaviour.

"We also want the group to help campaign on local issues. There are a number of open play areas on the estate which are getting overgrown and we would like to get those cleared as a starting point."

At the group's first AGM on Monday, July 9, the group will discuss its work and the opportunities for others to get involved.

Bob Bridle, community development officer at bpha, has been working with the residents at Pendrill Park. He said: "As a housing provider we are committed to supporting local communities and helping residents to work together to make a difference in their neighbourhood.

"Community groups such as the one at Pendrill Park play a vital role in bringing people together and getting things done.

"The mums at Pendrill Park have already done a fantastic amount of work which is really benefiting the community. I hope that many more will join them so that they can keep on going and achieve even more."

To find out more about the group, or how to get involved, contact Tracy Watson on 01480 831114, Jo Phoenix on 01480 831366 or Bob Bridle on 01234 221145.

The AGM takes place at the Pendrill Centre, Pendrill Court, between 10am and 12noon on Monday, July 9.