A GROUP of residents have come together to build on the positive aspects of Penhill.

Their ideas fair was held at the John Moulton Hall on Saturday, and about 50 residents turned out to give their suggestions for improving the community.

Many ideas were brought up at the meeting, with people offering their support for projects such as cleaning the brook in Lower Penhill and re-painting the children’s play area.

The group was run by the Cormac Russell Asset Based Community Development Institute which looks at positive approaches to building up communities.

The international group, brought in by the residents, looked at community strengths rather than problems and things that were lacking.

The ideas fair was hailed a success by those who attended.

Bill Gulliver, who has lived in Penhill for more than 50 years, said: “The idea was to go out and speak to people and see what can be done better in the future for Penhill.

“We had a lot of people come along to the event, which is good to see and shows that people do care what happens in this community.

“We’ve decided on some projects that we would like to work on, like activities for young people and elderly people.

“It is positive to see people coming down here to see what it is all about, and the feedback we have had is positive.”

David Ibitoye, who moved to Penhill with his family from London, said he was warned about the area but instead found a place where community spirit shone through.

He added: “This is going to get bigger as more people hear about it and come on board and I think the local community will really see the benefits.

“There is a great community feel in the area which has been shown today, and there are some good projects people want to be involved in.

“A lot of people give Penhill a bad reputation but they want to come and see the positive work we are doing.”

To find out more about the project contact Fair Share Community Worker Ingrid Bernathova at emailing bernathovaingrid@gmail.com