UNEMPLOYMENT, poverty, poor housing and a lack of child care facilities - problems which a new community group in Avenham is hoping to solve.

The scheme, led by residents, has been designed to breathe new life into the deprived Preston housing estate.

AvenQuest Community Regeneration Trust was set up by Collingwood Housing Association and residents hope to revive the fortunes of the estate by creating jobs, training opportunities and better facilities for local people.

Last Thursday backers from Preston's business and public communities gathered at the Trust's new premises in Oxford Street, in the heart of the estate, to officially launch the scheme.

Christine Bailey, acting trust director, said: "Apart from poor housing, residents living in this area have had to put up with a pretty rough deal.

"Unemployment, poverty, few skills, lack of affordable child cares facilities, all things which have prevented locals from having the opportunities in life which they deserve."

But that could all change as AvenQuest sets about working with other groups and organisations to pump investment into the area, which should hopefully encourage new businesses to come to the area, helping locals to find jobs.

The organisation also plans to create better child care, sports and leisure facilities, and launch a drive to promote healthy living in Avenham.

Collingwood Housing Association, which is in the process of renovating the estate after taking over control of it from the local council, has pledged £100,000 to back the scheme, while the trust has raised £60,000 from various sources.

Christine added:"There is so much potential out there and the trust is in an ideal position to work to make the area better for the residents."

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