A VILLAGE association set up 18 months ago has been a big success by helping to improve the quality of life for residents in Blackrod.

The Blackrod Village Association (BVA) was established in March 2002 to help promote and improve the community, tackle crime and attract Government investment.

Since the BVA was set up, members have worked on various projects to spruce up the village and have also been involved in the annual summer carnival.

Membership for the BVA has rocketed with more than 200 members involved in the association, compared with 50 members last year.

This year the BVA plan to help organise the next Blackrod Carnival in June, and work on various environmental projects.

BVA chairman John Timms said: "We have progressed so far in such a short space of time."