AROUND 100 people turned out last night to back the launch of an initiative to improve life on their Malvern estate.

Local people will have a chance to influence how the estate is run following the launch of the Elgar Avenue Residents' Association.

The organisation has been set up with the support of the Elgar Housing Association.

While children played on a bouncy castle, parents signed up to be involved in the day-to-day running of the area.

"We're very pleased with the turn-out. We want to bring the community together and make this area a better place to live," said Fiona Doyle, vice-chairman of the association.

Members will be able to submit ideas as to how the estate can be improved, from increased litter picking to redevelopment of the parks.

The only thing expected of them is that they live on Elgar Avenue or on one of the adjoining roads and that they will turn up for meetings to discuss future plans.

"We're not aiming to make any money. We just want people to come together and improve the area," said Marjorie Banks.

Two earlier residents associations formed on the estate fell by the wayside in the past, but members of the latest one say they are determined to make it work.

"We want to be recognised by other agencies, such as Malvern Hills District Council," said Mrs Doyle.

"We've got a lot of ideas and we've had a lot of training, such as learning management skills and knowing what our rights are."

The association has been able to set up under a grant from the Housing Corporation.

In the near future it will allocate a budget for the residents to spend on improving the area.

"We've had a lot of people interested in joining the group. We've had two former groups which died a death but we hope this one will grow from strength to strength," said Steve Main, tenant participation officer at Elgar Housing Association.

More details from Mr Main on 01684 579579.