Action week aims to build community spirit

Residents on a Patchway estate are being invited to a week of events to revitalise their community.

The area around Blakeney Road has experienced a range of anti-social behaviour during the past year, from drug dealing and assaults to loud parties and dog fouling. Now Merlin Housing Society is hoping to create some community spirit and give residents pride in where they live through an action week.

The week is the brainchild of housing officer Heidi Leyshon, who has worked in partnership with Avon and Somerset Police, Fire Brigade, South Gloucestershire Council, Patchway Town Council, Safer South Gloucestershire, Safer Stronger South Gloucestershire, Southern Brooks, Community Learning and North Bristol Advice Centre, to put on the events.

“The aim of the week is to build a sense of community spirit and pride among residents and to turn Blakeney Road into an area people want to live and enjoy a good quality of living,” she said. “Residents need to get involved and work with us and other organisations to improve their community.

“We have had several incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area in the past few months and I think creating a sense of community among residents will go some way to solving some of these problems.”

Blakeney Road is a mixture of privately owned and social housing and all residents are being invited to the activities. The week kicks off with a garden party at Blakeney playing fields on Monday, August 18 from 5.30pm, which will feature games, craft activities and information on local training courses.

And as part of the week, Avon and Somerset Police is rolling out its Adopt-a-Block scheme, which has already been launched in nearby Willow Close. Residents are also being encouraged to set up their own Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Merlin has also organised an event for residents to discuss ways to improve their community at Coniston Community Centre on Wednesday 20 August, from 1.30pm – 3.30pm.