THE Blacon estate has certainly seen major changes after once being named as among the worst in the UK.
Last week, the Leader reported how crime and anti-social behaviour had fallen in recent years following extra police resources, tighter partnership working from Cheshire police and its new Chester headquarters now being situated within the estate.
Also on the rise are educational standards, with Blacon High School being named one of the most improved schools in the country with 2011 marking its highest exam pass rate to date.
The area has even caught the eye of Prime Minister David Cameron, who recently awarded a Big Society Award to the Blacon Community Trust, which is helping to drive the changes on the estate forward.
The Leader took to the streets to find out the views of residents on how they believe their estate has changed.
For some residents who remember the estate in 1994 the agreed consensus seems to be that the area has certainly improved.
Crime rates and disturbance from the area’s young people seems to have been curbed leaving those who live on the estate feeling safer, not only in their homes but also on the streets.
Peter Barnes, 65, of Masefield Road, said: “I’ve lived here 57 years and I’ve been involved with Blacon Youth Group.
“Back then it was only an army camp but it’s been built up since then.
“I’d say it’s got better, the kids seem better. Before it was vandalism every weekend. I think it’ll continue to improve once renovations to the shops happen.
“I think things like the Blacon football team also help to keep the kids off the street.”
In agreement was Lynne Oldfield-Williams, 46, of Western Avenue.
She said: “Yes it’s changed in the 12 years I’ve lived here with my partner. The pathway down by the old railway is nicer now they’ve done that up.
“The crime rate has gone down too. There’s still the odd undesirable around but overall it’s better.”
However there are some who are still adamant that Blacon hasn’t changed at all.
Taxi driver, Terence Stephen, 56, of Poet’s Corner, said: “I could take you to places 20 minutes up the road that are worse than Blacon. If it has changed it’s the people that have improved it, not the council.
One resident who is yet to see how Blacon has drastically transformed, is Robert Davies.
The 43-year-old, of Hatton Road, said: “It has changed but it still leaves a lot to be desired.
“I have a one-year-old and a two-year-old and when I’m putting them to bed at night there are 20 youths around my house, making noise and all sorts.
“I’d say I’m scared to go out at night and I’d definitely never go out alone. I just think the respect that kids have has just gone right out the window.”
For some residents it is not simply a matter of feeling safer in the area but the atmosphere on the estate has changed as well as the appearance.
Elizabeth Pickering, 41, of Blacon Avenue, said: “It’s safer with the police station here.
“It’s tidier too, there’s just more pride in the place. I’ve lived here 14 years and I’ve noticed it’s a lot more respectable.
“They’ve taken down the old shops and re-built them so they’re nicer.
“There’s just more pride in the place.
“Before it did feel run-down but now it’s anything but neglected. There’s a sense of rejuvenation and it’s a nice place to live.
“The services are great especially – we’re very fortunate here.”
One resident who has been in Blacon for more than 50 years and who has witnessed the changes is Patricia Boden, 68, of Stamford Road.
She added: “Me and my husband came up in 1961 and back then there wasn’t even proper pavements. It’s changed for the better.
“It’s what you make of it though; it’s the people. It’s definitely safer, I mean there’s the odd occasion but in all the time I have lived here I’ve only had one break-in.
“I wouldn’t want to leave Blacon and I don’t plan to.”
Brian Mead, is another resident who remembers the transformation of Blacon over the years, as he played a large role in changing the estate.
The 74-year-old, who lives in the Nant Peris flats, said: “It was in decline before all the funding.
“I worked with the Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder and helped with schemes that lifted the community – working with children and the community especially.
“I was even awarded the Blacon Community Award for my work.
“I’d agree with it being seen as a safer place to live; it’s the work of the community and the opinion of Blacon has considerably changed.”