Parks and Walcot is among the 10 most deprived areas of the country, according to the latest available figures. But it is an area undergoing regeneration, thanks to government funding, and the community is proud of what is being achieved.

Andrea Magill, manager of Walcot Dome Community Centre, said: "The people are nice around here and you're never short of a friend. It's a shame a small minority of parents do not keep control of their children because their youngsters can spoil the environment for everyone. Apart from that, I love living here and wouldn't swap Walcot for the world."

Councillor Mavis Childs (Walcot, Lab) agreed: "Although the people in Walcot deserve better facilities, I would not call them deprived," she said. "Having lived there for nearly 30 years, I discovered a community spirit beyond compare. Over the years some parts have fallen into disrepute and there are problems with drugs. But the same goes for many other parts of Swindon. What makes Walcot unique is how everyone has and always will look out for each other."

And Anne Dean, landlady of The Bulldog, said: "We have a zero tolerance policy on drugs and take pride in creating a safe, friendly atmosphere. My only complaint about Walcot is the lack of decent shops. We need a proper bakery and grocery store to improve people's health and the community in general."

Residents are currently being asked how they want to see a £4.9 government million cash windfall for the area to be spent.

The Parks and East Walcot Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership is forming a residents' forum to allow individuals to have their say on how the government funding, £1.5 million of which has come from the South West Regional Development Agency, is spent.

However, it is hoped that the injection of money, which is coming from Swindon Council, the European Social Fund, the Home Office and the National Lottery, will give the estates a much-needed facelift.

Plans to regenerate run-down Cavendish Square in Park North have been mooted for years.

The renewal partnership comprises many community groups, along with the council, the police, Swindon Business Link and Swindon Learning Skills Council. For further information contact Paul Dixon on Swindon 529938.

Have your say on local radio

BBC RADIO Swindon has launched a project in Walcot aimed at giving the community their say.

The radio station is setting up a drop-in media centre in a vacant former grocer's shop in Sussex Square.

The scheme, called Voices, is featuring on all 48 BBC local radio stations. It hopes to give people whose opinions are rarely heard the chance to tell their story.

The media centre will be home to a full-time producer, Emma Cooper. She said: "You don't have to make an appointment. Everyone is free to drop in whenever they like and have a cup of coffee and a gossip."

It includes a fully equipped radio studio where people will be able to record their thoughts about where they live and work, their friends and family and anything else that matters to them.

The scheme has support from the very top of the BBC, with director general Greg Dyke donating two of the sofas from his own office.

Over the course of the next six months, Radio Swindon will broadcast live from the centre, with residents encouraged to get involved in the shows.

The centre will be open from 9am-3.30pm from Monday to Friday for the next six months.