CHANGING affairs for the better in an area of Kidderminster with above-average crime and unemployment rates is no easy task.

However, a determined drive to reduce crime and vandalism, improve quality of life and offer employment routes in Oldington and Foley Park is underway as part of the Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership.

There is more work to do on the estates than in other parts of the town, but project manager Sarah Collins of Worcestershire Health Authority believes targets can be met.

She said involving the youth of the area was vital in achieving success - and a number of steps are being taken to ensure crime and vandalism rates are brought level with the rest of the district.

She added: "Representatives from Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade regularly attend community events and visit schools to raise awareness of the danger of fires.

"This is significant as the large areas of heathland in the ward are often the subject of grass fires, whether deliberate or not.

"In addition, another scheme by the Severn Valley Railway is underway to reduce vandalism on stretches of the line which pass through the area."

These practical steps in reducing crime and vandalism, however, need to be supported by measures to bring the community together, and a number are gathering pace this year.

West Mercia Police has given its backing to the Lisle Avenue Business Partnership, Wyre Forest District Council's play activities project is staging an increasing number of activities and Worcestershire County Council launched a breakfast club in January.

The focal point for community safety in the ward, however, is the Oldington and Foley Park Community Network, formed in 1995.

Charity status and lottery funding was gained and the project has blossomed in the last five years.

The network's advice shop at the community centre in Dowles Road, was launched in May and is open between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday, offering a range of services for Oldington and Foley Park residents.

Visitors are able to meet Victim Support staff, a psychiatric nurse, police officer and Women's Aid officials to discuss matters of concern.

Help is also on hand from North Worcestershire Disablement Information Advice Line (DIAL), The Stroke Association and job centres, and the latest facility available is a monthly surgery being held by Wyre Forest MP David Lock.

The advice shop also acts as a referral agency for Relate, the Employment Service, Homestart, Benefits Agency and Wyre Forest Community Housing.

Community development worker Ellen Coe, who is helped extensively by advice shop administrator Mary Friend, said: "There are a comprehensive range of services on offer which are well used and are extremely beneficial to many of our visitors.

"However, we always want to be told what people think about what is on offer and are open to suggestions for ways in which the advice shop and community centre could improve."

She added: "Residents in the ward are always welcome to drop in for a coffee and a chat should they feel it necessary, and we would still be grateful if anybody feels they could offer some help to our projects.

"At the moment, the advice shop and our furniture recycling scheme are the two main focus points though."

Youngsters are not forgotten at the community centre either, as two Wyre Forest Youth Service workers are on hand to offer advice, days out are regularly organised and a youth club including pool and table tennis facilities is also proving popular.

Miss Coe added the next major development in the pipeline was to introduce a community caf sometime next year, but the plan is subject to the centre receiving a donation from a healthy living initiative.