COMMUNITY activists have formed a group to improve a former pit village.

Leadgate Task Force held its first meeting this week to discuss ideas to improve the environment for residents.

The voluntary group has set up a website and is looking for more members of the community to get involved.

Group chairman Richard Judd said: “We just want to get people together to improve the village.

“It is also about getting people involved in community projects that everyone can get involved in. We are looking to get as many involved in whatever way they can.”

Meetings are held at the Jolly Drovers pub when necessary.

The group is planning a litter-pick on the cycleway in April, a big spring clean to tidy up the entire village with a community barbecue afterwards and fundraising events at Leadgate Cricket Club.

Web co-ordinator David Lavery said: “What we are hoping to achieve is a position where people know who to report things to and how to get action and know what can be done.

“We want to integrate and network with services which are already here.”

The group has launched a ‘shop local’ campaign and is encouraging people to use businesses in the area by sending out leaflets.

It is planning to create a directory of local shops and traders who wish to be included.

Before Christmas, a new road replacing the old Villa Real Bridge was reopened as part of a £2.4 million scheme to improve access.

The group hopes the drive will help traders, who suffered while the scheme was being carried out.

Group secretary Janet Lavery said: “We hope that by letting them know there is an organisation which cares and can support them we might make a change in the way people think.

“We want to raise the feel good factor and the pride in Leadgate.

“Now the bridge has reopened it is the chance for a new start.”

To find out more click here