Young people's pressure helps to improve estate in East Finchley according to Barnet Homes bosses (From Times Series)

Young people's pressure helps to improve estate in East Finchley according to Barnet Homes bosses

11:40am Friday 30th July 2010 in

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YOUNG people's enthusiasm is helping hone community facilities on an estate in East Finchley.

Children living around the Grange estate had the chance to voice their opinions on the state of services provided by Barnet Homes at a summer roadshow yesterday.

The 'love where you live' event, at the Browswell Road play area, was attended by residents, service providers and senior staff from the housing organisation.

And it was the passion of the groups of youngsters to improve their area which impressed Deborah Beckford, residents involvement officer for Barnet Homes.

She said a group of the children have begun a campaign to install a youth relaxation room on the estate and it was their ideas which could benefit the wider community.

“They have organised petitions and letters, which has already got our attention,” said Ms Beckford.

“Their enthusiasm is fantastic and they have got their own ideas of what they want to get done. They frogmarched me down to show me their plans, and it just helps bring everybody together.

“When you look at things through their eyes, you can see the things they want.”

The event was the second in a series to improve neighbourhoods across the borough.

Staff from all parts of the company worked alongside residents to carry out small jobs such as gardening, litter picking, cleaning and painting, along with any repair work that was needed.

People were also able to get information on services and raise any problems directly with the appropriate officers.

Lee Mariconda, housing officer for the estate, said: “A lot of people put ideas forward about what improvements they wanted in their areas. One of the things they wanted to see was open days where they could get their ideas across.

“This is a chance for the staff who are usually in the office to come out and make a difference. It shows we do care and hopefully makes people care more about the community.

“People take more pride in the estate and where they live. They are the ones who live here and have to put up with any problems, so we are here to help them tackle the issues.”

Future ‘love where you live’ road shows will take place at Bittacy Hill, in Mill Hill, on August 5 and at the Belle Vue and Fosters estate, in Hendon, on August 19.