ACTION to transform a troubled estate is being planned by residents.

Members of Woodhouse Close Residents' Action Group, in Bishop Auckland, recently commissioned their own survey of the estate's problems, using government cash.

An action plan is being drawn up by the authors of the survey, independent housing consultancy First Call, to tackle the problems.

It found that 70 per cent of people were happy with their council-run homes, but the same percentage were dissatisfied with the estate.

Eighty per cent thought the number of boarded-up properties were a problem, 85 per cent found run-down areas depressing, and just over two-thirds felt unsafe on the streets. But the survey also found there was a strong stream of community spirit in the area.

Sheila Phillips, from First Call, said: "The results showed that there is a community spirit at Woodhouse Close and that there is a future for the estate if all partners work together."

She said that Wear Valley District Council and the police will also be consulted on the action plan.

"The idea is we are bringing together the council and residents to work on the action plan.

"On August 9 we are having a public meeting to put the plan to the residents.

"We have discovered what all the problems and issues are, a lot of them are communication. People are not always sure what's happening.

"At present, the council sends a regular letter to all the residents.

"Part of the action plan would be for the council to go back with its performance to the Woodhouse Close Residents' group."

Doreen Kett, from the action group, said they were already taking steps to improve the estate, with the recent revival of the Woodhouse Carnival, last month. Negotiations are also under way to create a drop-in centre.

l The public meeting takes place on August 9, at 6.30pm, at the community centre in Proudfoot Drive