Nearly 100 people on Christchurch’s biggest housing estate want to join a new initiative to help improve the quality of life in their neighbourhood.

A recent survey by Twynham Housing Association revealed that car parking, traffic, noisy neighbours, litter and vandalism were among the key concerns for residents in the Somerford area.

All 1500 homes in the area were canvassed in April, with nearly 500 households responding. One in five of these people would like to get actively involved in shaping the future of their neighbourhood.

The `Living In Somerford` report shows that the vast majority are happy with the quality of their homes and the neighbourhood in general, but revealed a demand for more youth facilities, better policing and action to tackle anti social behaviour. There were also calls for more affordable family homes to be built to help tackle Christchurch’s current housing crisis.

The survey, covering work, health, social amenities, transport, housing and crime, revealed the following facts:

A meeting, held at Somerford Community Centre on Friday 21 July to report back the findings to local residents, was attended by 60 people who were keen to learn what steps would now be taken to improve the quality of life in the neighbourhood.

Twynham’s Managing Director, Marion Franks said: “The response has been fantastic, both from tenants and homeowners, whether young or old. By broadening our understanding of the key issues, Twynham can work in partnership with other agencies to address the problems, as well as taking direct action on issues for which we have a responsibility.

“What’s most encouraging is that so many Somerford people want to be a part of this. Successful projects elsewhere prove that this is the best way to improve the quality of life locally and create a new community spirit at the same time.”

Published 18 July 2006
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