A COMMUNITY leader is calling for private funding to finance a long-awaited BMX track on Bournemouth’s Townsend estate.

Claire Geraghty, 39, chairperson of Townsend community centre, said: “The estate has totally turned around during recent years and a BMX park would be the icing on the cake.

“We have an outdated track and skateboard ramp in a small park off Swansbury Drive but it is hardly ever used and needs to be completely revamped.

“The council has backed the idea but resources are stretched and there is no funding available. If a private backer can’t be found Lottery funding is our only hope.”

The mum-of-three told the Daily Echo how crime on the once-troubled estate had dramatically dropped. “We had all sorts of problems with antisocial behaviour. Thankfully Townsend’s problems have long gone; crime is almost non-existent and limited to dog fouling, speeding vehicles and fly-tipping.”

She added: “People want to live on Townsend now. A few houses are vacant but they don’t stay vacant for long. We have council, private and housing association properties; a mix which works really well.

“The police community support officers have been amazing; they regularly patrol the estate. It’s a great place to live; moving here with my children from Charminster 13 years ago was the best decision of my life.

“There is a great community spirit on Townsend and people look out for one another. That doesn’t happen much these days when a lot of people living on estates don’t even know their neighbours.”

Ward councillor Michael Weinhonig wrote a report about the state of the BMX track last year. He wants to see plans drawn up and funding applied for. “There are local businesses that are more than happy to get involved with a lot of the planning,” he said.

He told the Daily Echo how he had seen an “astounding” improvement in the area since he became a councillor five years ago, adding: “A lot of it’s down to excellent community policing and good work with the residents there.”

Life’s good on Townsend

HAIRDRESSER Julia Edwards, 62, lives in nearby Strouden. She said: “It seems to be a lot better now, more vibrant. You used to have lots of kids hanging around the shop but now they have done up the basketball area and youth centre that doesn’t happen any more.” She welcomed a new BMX track, adding: “Anything for the kids to do here is a good thing.”

LUCY Frost, 31, a nursery assistant of Tyrrell Gardens, said: “We moved here last October and people were asking us why. I think it’s a lovely area to live and a nice community. We have had no problems and have lovely neighbours.” Eleven-year-old Cameron Frost added: “We would love to see a BMX park here.”

SUZANNE Morris, 36, of Stone Gardens, said: “I have lived here for three years and I must admit when I heard we were moving here I did drive around at night a few times to see what it was like.

“But now I think it is brilliant, there is so much for my children to do and the community centre is fantastic.”