Hereford'S highly successful South Wye Partnership could soon become a company.

The partnership, which works to improve community opportunities, is now into its second year of funding through the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) scheme.

To mark this milestone, members are actively considering company status.

The partnership has so far been successful in getting £4.3 million in funding from SRB, cash that comes as part of a £13 million programme of regeneration activity underway in South Wye over the next seven years.

A 'fact-finding' first year saw £150,000 spent on surveys of training needs and community facilities, with particular attention paid to what locals wanted. Work demonstrating the need for better access to Rotherwas was commissioned as a support to further development.

The partnership assisted Rural Media working with residents on various projects, one of which is a community newsletter that hits the streets next month.

Cash also backs the community development team, which now has four workers helping five residents' associations found a forum. Other initiatives the partnership has provided for include: St Martin's Community Project (an after-school club for children and skills training/support for parents); Homestart (advice and assistance to young families); Community Pride (a fund for neighbourhood improvement); Young Persons Drug Outreach Project; Haywood Safer Routes to School; Hinton F C (funds for floodlights to extend training sessions); a youth forum, business guidance, new street lighting and a citizen's advice worker.

Chris Chappell, chairman of the South Wye Regeneration Partnership, said 2000 was the year that South Wye 'really began' to benefit from work going on in the area.

Company status, if approved, would be limited by guarantee with residents as 'stakeholders'.

A 'fun' event planned for King George Playing Fields, Hereford, on Saturday, September 2, will introduce individuals and organisations involved in the partnership.

Sponsors, or anyone wanting further information, can contact programme manager Nina Bridges on 01432 263642.