Community spirit at Saltash housing estate

The turning around of a once run down estate into an area which is looking to the future with confidence, included the opening of a flat as a special community facility at the weekend.

The community flat, at 12 Moorland View on the Lower Estate in Saltash, was opened by Caradon councillors Eric Lewis and Marjorie Schikowsky. They were welcomed by chairman of the Lower Estate Tenants' and Residents' Association, Jean Scoble, a group which has been at the forefront at pushing through improvement measures.

She thanked the council for providing the premises and the Groundwork Trust, and estate residents, who had worked together to prepare the flat. Other guests included Caradon's principal housing officer Ivor Grove and John Andrews of Groundwork Trust.

Mr Lewis said much credit should go to those on the Lower Estate who had pressed home the needs of the area, which had been neglected for many years due to lack of funding. He said an estate regeneration working party had been formed in the last seven months comprising representatives from LETRA, Saltash and district councillors, the chairman and vice chairman of Caradon's housing committee, and officers.

Ideas put forward for greater improvements to the estate take in better footpath lighting, traffic calming measures, parking spaces, play areas, fencing and a phased modernising of housing stock.

Besides this community worker Alison Gibson has been appointed to help foster good relations with the community, her funding being a joint venture between Groundwork SW, Caradon and LETRA.

After the flat opening a buffet tea was enjoyed by LETRA members and guests, and a celebration cake cut by deputy mayor, Bryan Preston.