Exceedingly good programme (From Warrington Guardian)

Exceedingly good programme

A WIDNES estate is set to star in a documentary about its everyday life.

Halton College is going to run a course at a community centre in Stewards Avenue where the final project is to make a film about the estate itself.

It's hoped the course will start in May.

It is just part of the work that goes on at the Community House on Kipling Crescent.

The converted council house hosts police surgeries, visits from the credit union, an environmental group, computer training and an employment group.

It's run by two residents groups and facilitated by the Kings Cross Project.

Nick Callard from the Kings Cross said: "The idea is to give people an opportunity of coming together and instead of feeling there's no way out of problems, they can and come and talk about them and get things done."

For example solicitors come in once a fortnight to give free surgeries.

The lease on the house runs out in May but it looks like the house will get another.

The house was created because, in Nick's words, 'there was no meeting place apart from the pub'.

It also offers child counselling in a lounge area where kids can feel comfortable.

Nick said: "We have had reports from the council that neighbourhood nuisance is down and we hope we can take some credit for that."

He said the house is a place where people can talk to the police and other groups about local issues without feeling awkward or conspicuous.

Kingsway Councillor Ann Gerrard, who has supported the house, said: "I'm thrilled because at last the community has got a venue to come and address issues like deprivation.

"Hopefully, it will go from strength to strength."