APATHY from newcomers has forced the closure of an Upton residents' association, which lobbied for improvements in housing.

Hill Residents' Association was set up in 1995 by residents of Tunnel Hill, but will close this month.

Originally, about 75 per cent of residents were involved in the group.

They lobbied Westbury Homes, which built the Tunnel Hill development 10 years ago, on issues such as faulty water tanks and responsibility for road works.

Deputy mayor and former committee member Mark Kerrigan said: "It's a sad reflection of apathy that the group can no longer continue with its work. Most people who now live in the estate do not seem to have any interest in the group."

Former chairman Christine Cogram added: "I feel quite sad that the association has come to an end but, without the support of the residents, it's not effective and I suppose it's a sign of the times."

Although the remedial roadworks to which Westbury agreed to contribute financially have yet to be completed, the association had a more successful outcome with problems with water tanks.

Because of the type of system installed in some of the bigger houses, the tanks were under constant water pressure.

A faulty batch of tanks led to some of them exploding and sending gallons of water through people's homes.

The association's battle resulted in the free replacement of water tanks, which would have otherwise cost £1,000 per house.

The group was also involved in events such as the open gardens and hanging basket competition and was responsible for instigating a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in the area.

Most of the issues with which the group was originally concerned have been resolved and most of the founder members have moved on.