A NEWLY-FORMED residents group is on the prowl to bring better facilities to the community of Walmersley.

Walmersley Tenants and Residents' Association (WTRA), along with members of the community, went on a walkabout on Monday (Feb 17), touring sites of possible development.

And they are now appealing for improved facilities, like a football pitch and the provision of playground security and play equipment.

Representatives from the council's parks department, who also took part in the walkabout, estimated that £17,000 would be needed to have one field drained and the association is now hoping to take action and raise funds themselves.

Miriam Hopkinson, secretary of the WTRA, said: "We are going to try to get donations so that we can have the field drained. Even in summer it is waterlogged and the young people end up getting filthy if they play on it.

"Youngsters in the area have taken a real interest in the community and it is a shame that they cannot use the space that's available. Hopefully now, after the walkbout, we can take some positive action."

The WTRA was set up last month to help produce positive results that would benefit everyone in the community.

The group now has plans to make the area safer for residents and make provisions for everyone, including a youth club for the young people of Walmersley.

The group will also be having a clean up fun day on March 29 with litter-picking, stalls and food.