"The Oldford Estate is on the outskirts of Welshpool town centre and borders the Powis Castle Estate. With views over the Montgomeryshire canal and the green countryside, it's in a very picturesque location. There are over 400 homes on the estate, approximately half are owned by the Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, the other are council and privately owned properties.

Oldford Communities First is made up of 10 Community representatives, 5 statutory representatives and 5 business and voluntary sector representatives.

Oldford Communities First has a three year Action Plan which was launched at their AGM in December 2007. Over half of the households on the Oldford estate were involved in the development of this and it will inform the work of the Partnership to ensure that what they do is in line with the needs of the community.

As a result of the action plan, there are now a number of sub groups which concentrate on the following; the environment, young people, training and education, crime and community safety, active community and facilities.

When there is an identified need, Oldford Communities First provides training courses which build the capacity of individuals. They are currently supporting a Health and Beauty taster course which is proving to be very popular, and have previously supported a Food Hygeine course, Health and Safety courses, a First Aid at work course, a desktop publishing course and many others.

The community of Oldford and the wider community of Welshpool have been encouraged to eat more fruit and vegetables through the Potty Potato food co-op.

This initiative is supported by the Rural Regeneration Unit, the Robert Owen Credit Union and Oldford Communities First. Fruit and vegetables are sourced locally whenever possible and are always seasonal, this is then sorted and bagged by volunteers and sold on to the community at wholesale prices!

Oldford Communities First support a bi-monthly newsletter called 'Oldford Voice'. They have found this is a great way to reach residents on the Oldford estate and it's a great opportunity for the local residents as well as organisations, to share stories, news of events, and important issues that could affect them.

Oldford Communities First have supported many events, including the first Oldford Community Show which, despite terrible weather drew in crowds of over three hundred people. There have also been annual Oldford Clear Up Day's, where the residents have had access to a large skip for the day, and where litter picking and recycling is encouraged.

As you can see, Oldford Communities First is involved in many, many things, here just a few have been mentioned. If you would like to know any more about their work, please don't hesitate to contact them through their website listed to the right of this page.

Article by Claire Allen