Residents come together to clean up community eyesore
Residents from a housing scheme in Warrington have come together to clean up a community eyesore blighted by graffiti.
Residents Martyn Mcbride and Sharon Wimbleton were fed up of looking at unsightly graffiti on a property on Rowland Close, Cinnamon Brow in Warrington, so they decided to take action and get rid of it themselves, as the occupier was unable to do so. The property, which is privately owned but sits within a housing scheme owned by Muir Group Housing Association, had been the target for vandals and Martyn and Sharon wanted to bring the building back to its former glory in time for a planned Easter community consultation.
The consultation was organised to engage residents and local people to decide what they want to do with an unused play area close to the housing scheme. Local people have been asking for help to transform the area and install new play equipment and seating. As a result, Cinnamon Brow Residents Association (CIMBRA) and Muir Group are working together, along with the residents, to develop a new community space for use by everyone in the play area.
“The existing play area is uninspiring and children have nowhere to play in the area without crossing a main road”, said Sharon.
“We want local children to have a space that creates play and imagination, and give local people of all ages a place to relax and enjoy themselves”, added Martyn.
The enterprising pair spent the whole day scrubbing and washing the affected area to restore it back to its original state.
“It’s great to work with people who are so passionate about where they live and want to take control of their own communities”, said Beverley Price, Community Engagement Officer (North) for Muir Group.