PEOPLE living south of the city are at last noticing a change in people's attitudes towards Newton Farm. Thanks to financial contribution from Hereford City Council, work done by Herefordshire Housing Limited (HHL) and the volunteer Newton Farmers and Country Park Supporters (CPS) with assistance from Balfour Beatty Living Spaces (BBLP) the whole estate is beginning to look special, smarter and cleaner.

Newton Farm Ward Cllr Phil Edwards commented, "HHL working with Developer Keepmoat are transforming the oval area by removing the old damp and dismal concrete apartment blocks and creating well designed, modern homes. HHL has also recently re-designed and rebuilt the skate park off the Great Western Way between the Hereford Academy and Brampton Road. This coupled with all the green open spaces including Newton Coppice, the playing fields and the country park, allows children, young people and adults vast areas for play and exercise. Fantastic circular walks can also now be experienced due to the footway work recently undertaken by local volunteers.

Hereford City Council has provided excellent notice boards, both at Brampton Road Stores and at one entrance to Belmont Haywood Country Park, which are in keeping with those in the city centre - illustrating that Newton Farm is a part of the city - and of course offering the opportunity to inform residents of what is going on across the city and particularly in the area. This is vitally important to continue to build a community that cares. This has begun by the Newton Farmers volunteers who regularly litter pick across the patch and the assistance offered by BBLP in collecting and disposing of all the litter picked up.

The CPS continue to work hard to improve the country park for all to enjoy, with volunteers maintaining the park and adding assets such as information boards about the park's wildlife and organising the Queen's Birthday Picnic in the park.

I hope all this continues and enhances the pride that I feel in living here, and is also felt by all residents. The Newton Farm area can be admired by all Hereford citizens plus those passing through to enjoy the rest of the county."