Twelve months ago a group of Oswestry residents came together to form the Trees Estate Residents Group.
Members of this group were unhappy about certain aspects of their community so they committed to making a change and formed a partnership with Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing Ltd (STAR Housing) in order to discuss everything from anti-social behaviour to parking, street lighting, and dog mess.
On Tuesday 5th September 2017 the Trees Estate Residents Group celebrated their first anniversary. It was a wonderful evening, well attended by local residents, and we, at STAR Housing, were thrilled to be there.
Over the past year we have developed a strong working relationship with the group. We are delighted to have received their input on a range of issues, such as the Local Lettings Plan. Additionally, having had visits from Shropshire Councils Highways and West Mercia Police, the network is only growing. Everyone works together, knows each other’s roles and is proactively shaping the future of the community into a vibrant and enjoyable place to live.
John Thompson, Chair of Trees Resident’s Group, said:
“Prior to the formation of our residents group, we, the residents felt forgotten, we could see the deterioration of the place we call home, drug dealing and antisocial behaviour being just two items that were taking a real hold and impacting the lives of us all.
“We just didn't know who or what to do to turn it around. Now through regular meetings with STAR Housing, the Police and the Council we are fighting back. The nice thing out of all this is that we are listened to and actions taken to resolve our issues, not only that but we are actively involved in the shaping of our community, not only for now but for the future.
“I firmly believe that the success of our group is due to STAR Housing spearheading it and institutions like North Shropshire College giving a commitment to the local vicinity by providing meeting rooms. The help is there, all that is needed is for us to ask.”
Tom Pawley, Housing Officer for STAR Housing said:
“The residents group has been successful in prioritising and reducing issues in the local area, in partnership with STAR Housing, the Police and Shropshire Council.
“It’s been a pleasure to work so closely with local residents and councillors in highlighting and tackling key issues in the area, and I strongly believe that the work that we have begun and will continue in the future will have a lasting impact in improving the area and community.”
For more information about community involvement, residents groups near you or help with setting up your own, please visit http://www.starhousing.org.uk/community-and-involvement/
