NEIGHBOURS are joining forces to improve their community with the launch of a group at the weekend.

Residents of Crook's Wheatbottom and Helmington Row areas have formed a community group to work with support workers to boost the ward.

Wheatbottom and Helmington Special Project (WAHSP) aims to provide for young people, address the needs of elderly people and to improve the environment. It also plans to come up with a business or action plan to tackle economical, social and environmental issues in the area.

Chairman Clive Parker is urging people to come forward with ideas, to suggest ways of approaching the objectives or to highlight other local needs.

He said: "Those three concepts could change very easily, the aim of the group is to do what local people want for the area.

"Early feedback has been positive, but it can only work if people get involved or tell members what they think the ward needs, we need more volunteers to work on projects and keep the group going.

"We don't want to be political, but hope to work with the local authorities and other community groups for the good of the area."

WAHSP will meet in Esk Gardens Community House, Watergate Estate, Crook, on Wednesday, at 6.30pm.