A POSITIVE partner-ship between the community and police is creating an upbeat atmosphere on a Gorleston estate.There is a determination to build on recent successful initiatives to tackle problems on the Magdalen estate.

A POSITIVE partner-ship between the community and police is creating an upbeat atmosphere on a Gorleston estate.

There is a determination to build on recent successful initiatives to tackle problems on the Magdalen estate. Falls in recorded crime and anti-social behaviour have helped increase the can-do attitude of those living on the estate.

Now it is hoped that more can be done to tackle some of the underlying issues to further improve the quality of life for residents.

Community representatives on the Magdalen Kin (Key Individual Network) group have set policing priorities on the estate. This has paid off, with action being taken lately to tackle some of the most pressing issues.

Kin member and borough council ward member Pat Page said: “I feel we are being listened to and things are getting done. A lot of the problems caused by some of the young people have been dealt with, and we now want to focus on the next set of priorities. There is a good community feeling; people take pride in the estate and there is very little graffiti or litter here.”

The local Safer Neighbour-hood Team, led by Insp Alun Gibbs, has clamped down on gangs of young trouble-makers at Magdalen Way shopping precinct. CCTV cameras are expected to be installed, and security gates may be placed on stairways leading to flats above shops.

Gerry Garrod owns the Magdalen Hardware shop and is also a member of the Kin group. He said: “The group members are part of the community, and residents see us on a day-to-day basis. Much of the behaviour is often high spirits, and the more young people get together the higher the spirits get. It could some-times disturb shoppers, but there has been a marked reduction in the problem and the estate is a good place to do business.”

The emphasis now is on providing more activities for youngsters on the estate.

Landlord of the Cap and Gown pub Paul Mitchell is a Kin member and hosts its meetings. He said: “I would like to see a football pitch on the green - it would stop the kids kicking balls around on paths and walkways.

“The group has certainly made a difference. Everybody has something to contribute and the police are listening.”