CAMPAIGNERS on the Marsh estate, Lancaster want to bring some of the sunny atmosphere of Australia to the area. Youngsters and adults are working together to raise money and force the politicians hands in order to see a community centre built on the estate. And they want to see a community centre particularly for youngsters but also other age groups like those on the Australian soaps rather than the traditional draughty hall with tiddly winks and ludo.

Speaking at a packed public meeting with more than 250 people from the estate attending chairman of the new Marsh Community Action Group, Wayne Brennand outlined some of their ideas: "We hope to provide a TV cafe bar with games machines and pool-table complete with a weights room, a lot similar to the one seen in the Australian soaps 'Home and Away' and 'Neighbours.' It would also have an indoor hall to cater for badminton, volleyball and climbing wall. Though we are sure that people amongst you could provide other areas for the centre."

Earlier Mr Brennand said he wanted the group to combat the injustices within the community.

He said: "We have set ourselves up to challenge and raise an awareness of the inattentive attitude shown by those in power towards our area and our recreational needs... in our day we had the minimal facilities such as the Planet City. Which councillor was responsible for pulling that down, or worse not even replacing it?"

The meeting was chaired by action group secretary and Green Party worker Jon Barry who was impressed by the number of youngsters who attended the meeting.

He said: "I have been to many public meetings but I have never been to one where so many young people expressed the views in such an enthusiastic way. If these youngsters are the future of the Marsh then I am very optimistic."

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