RESIDENTS are being urged to help shape the future of a Sunderland estate.

Sunderland City Council is carrying out research on the Town End Farm estate to find out how the area can be improved.

On Tuesday, it is holding a meeting at Town End Farm Workingmen's Club, at 6pm.

Questionnaires are also being sent to homes on the estate, and focus groups have been formed to find out what residents think.

The research will be used to draw up a strategy for the estate, and form the basis of bids for funding from various agencies.

Guy Turnbull, the research project manager, said: "Although some projects are already being worked up, it is crucial that existing and new initiatives are moulded into a single community-owned development plan.

"This gathering provides an opportunity for local people to have a real say in future estate development and is open to all sections of the Town End Farm community.''