ONLY 337 out of 2,400 residents on Darlington's Whinfield estate bothered to return a questionnaire to be used in the preparation of a community action plan.

A summer event to enable people to look at the findings of the survey was then attended by about 100 adults and 300 children.

Those who replied said they wanted improvements in the dog warden service, road and pavement maintenance, street cleaning and more visible policing, especially on foot.

They were pleased with the standard of grass cutting, refuse collection and street lighting.

Tuesday's meeting of the public protection and community partnerships scrutiny committee will hear that the next step is the preparation of an action plan for the estate.

This is being carried out by an organisation, Banks of the Wear, which specialises in tenant consultation. It was successful in getting government cash for the pilot project, Bringing Whinfield Together. The intention is to develop new partnership approaches towards working with communities.

A steering group has been set up with representatives from residents, ward councillors, council officers, Home Housing and the North British housing association.

Alpha Plus Architects is undertaking a study into the feasibility of a community centre and a place of worship for the estate. Asda has also joined the steering group