TENANTS and residents are celebrating 15 years of working together to improve a Radcliffe estate.

Abbey Close Tenants' and Residents' Association (TRA), which covers some 450 properties, will mark its 15th anniversary by inviting members to a garden party.

The group works closely with Six Town Housing and other bodies to improve an area in the north west of the town, covering Abbey Close, Ampleforth Gardens, Glastonbury Gardens, Byland Gardens, Kirkstall Gardens, Coronation Gardens, Melrose Gardens and more.

The TRA was first formed in response to anti-social behaviour, and was chaired by the late Mary O'Neill.

Dot Wood, aged 73, who has been the chair ever since, said: "We have got a fantastic community. We all work together. I would not have been in this role for 15 years without the support of the people.

"The highlights are our events and the people who come and support us. It is just amazing. I would like to say a big thank you to them.

“This celebration is all about giving something back to the community.”

Mrs Wood, who has lived on the Abbey Close estate for more than 45 years, said the TRA has previously tackled issues such as abandoned vehicles, noise, accommodation problems and general misbehaviour.

The TRA responds to community issues and organises regular activities to prevent social isolation. Several of its 45 members also attend a weekly bingo session at The ROC Centre, in Westminster Avenue.

“We are really proud to have led a big project to clean up Red Bank Lodges. We had benches installed and made other improvements”, Mrs Wood said before adding: “The biggest success was the community memorial garden. It is a lovely area where people can come and sit. It is a highlight on the estate.

“To work in your area for the people is incredibly rewarding. I do it for the people.”

To celebrate the past 15 years, a family fun day will take place at the Community Memorial Garden on Sunday, May 27.

Tenants of Abbey Close TRA are invited to enjoy food, music from Besses O’ Th’ Barn Brass Band, and other activities, such as face painting and family entertainment with Eckie Thump, all from 1pm.

Six Town Housing praised Abbey Close TRA, and others like it, for the positive work they do in the community.

John Merrick, director of neighbourhoods at Six Town Housing, said: "On this milestone anniversary, Abbey Close TRA are celebrating the many positive changes their volunteers have made in the area.

"TRAs like Abbey Close deserve to be celebrated for all the work they do; they help bring communities together, provide services tailored to the needs of local people and help inform us of any potential issues in their local area so we can tackle them."

Newly elected Conservative Councillor Paul Cropper, who represents Radcliffe North, said: "I am very pleased and privileged to have been invited to the TRA's 15th anniversary celebrations.

"I am sure it will be a fabulous event and I am very pleased to be involved.

"The Abbey Close TRA does so much amazing work for the local residents and I am looking forward to working with them very closely over the next few years."