What Oldbury Court wants

A SURVEY has found out what people think about living in Oldbury Court, and how the area could be improved.

A small group of residents came together to carry out the survey last summer, to start making the case for local improvements.

Just over 120 people with connections to the area, including 67 who live on the estate, filled in copies after the team knocked on doors, attended local events and spoke to people at the Vassall Centre and bus stops on Gill Avenue.

Lori Streich, who worked on the project, said: "The survey gives a snapshot of residents’ thoughts about the area, and their ideas about what would make it better."

Vassalls Park was one of the area's strengths, with 79% of people saying park provision was either 'very good' or 'good', although better maintenance, more activities and dog-free areas were needed.

Residents were "generally positive" about places to socialise and things to do, but called for more affordable places to meet - something the report said the Vassall Centre was now aiming to address.

One of the areas where action was called for was provision for children, from more term-time and holiday childcare provision to an increase in secondary school places and places for teenagers to meet after school.

About half of respondents said shopping on Fishponds Road was either 'good' or 'very good' - but it was too far to walk from their homes. The survey took place before operator First axed the estate's bus services - the number 5 in October and its replacement, the 47, in April - but even before the decision, residents said more reliable and frequent buses were needed.

Copies of the results can be picked up at the Vassall Centre's reception area, and a Facebook page has been set up to discuss the issues raised.