FED up folk in Skerton have joined together in a bid to improve their neighbourhood and boost community spirit.

Following a recent survey, which revealed high levels of social exclusion in the Skerton wards, the locals are hoping a bit of people power will get their voices heard.

A tenants and residents' association is currently fighting for SRB funds to regenerate the area and there are growing concerns about how the new millennium bridge will effect the neighbourhood.

They are worried about noise, nuisance, traffic and parking once the bridge is opened and are upset that the council currently has no plans to deal with any of the problems.

The Derby Road play area is also run down and has no swings and many residents and tenants are fed up with being overlooked by the authority.

President of the local association, Mandy Hodgson, said: "I think this part of Skerton has been terribly neglected. We've asked for a lot but that's because we need it. For starters, we badly need a new play area and I think the council should get its finger out." Resident Pennie Jelliff said: "I think this area of Skerton could be really beautiful with a little care and forward planning. We pay the same council tax as everyone else but get very little. Scotforth gets tulips, we get roadworks and rubble. People around here don't normally complain but it's great that some are starting to stand up and be counted."

Tenant Ken Ineson said: "Getting the council to do anything positive around here is like banging your head against a brick wall. I'm fed up with them saying they'll do something and it taking months or years for them to get round to it."

Another resident Gail Capstick added: "If the council is serious about addressing the problem of social exclusion they should be listening to what local people have to say and working with them. It's great that people around here are beginning to get involved and are campaigning for a better community."

Another angry resident added: "How can they spend millions on a bridge yet not even think about the implications for the street that leads up to it? They've made no plans, no provision and shown no consideration of the consequences for local residents. It just about sums up the council's attitude to Skerton."

Senior engineer for the council, Mr Richard Tulej, confirmed that no specific plans had been drawn up for the Skerton area leading up to the new bridge.

He explained: "When the bridge is open, we'll closely monitor the situation and deal with any problems as they arise."