A NEW residents' association on the Greville Estate looks set to go ahead after a successful pilot meeting stirred the hopes of the community.

More than 20 people living in Wharton gathered at Christchurch in Crook Lane to find out more about setting up an organisation to fight for better conditions in an area covering Greville Drive, Ledward Street, Birch Avenue, Princes Street, part of Crook Lane and roads in between.

Weaver Vale Housing Trust and Vale Royal borough councillors offered support to Colin Murray, of Lodge Drive, as he attempted to form a group to represent residents at grass roots level.

Speaking after the April 21 meeting, Mr Murray said: "It was excellent - we had 22 residents there. I was worried that the attendance wouldn't be good until people started walking in.

"There were major concerns about young children playing out until very late at night. People were concerned about parental supervision.

"There doesn't seem to be anyone out watching them and I don't know that we can do anything about it apart from going straight to the parents.

"In some cases the youngsters seem to be left totally on their own well after it goes dark.

"All the people there were very enthusiastic. I want to thank the councillors Brian Clarke and Pam Booher for their support as well."

Worries were also expressed that youths were congregating by the garages leading onto Station Road, throwing missiles and possibly taking illegal drugs there.

Having got things under way with the first meeting, a focus group has now been formed that consists of 10 volunteers from the initial meeting who will go on to help set up a committee and constitution.

Mr Murray stated that lighting, off-road parking and improving the conditions of roads in the area would hopefully all be pursued by the new association.

rfraser@guardiangrp.co.uk