ATHERTON residents are being given the chance to realise the aspirations and ambitions of their community by setting up a new group.

Howe Bridge Villagers has been created for people in the area to work for their own community and have a say on any improvements being made.

The residents are following in the footsteps of a community group set up in Hag Fold.

That group was created to decide what residents wanted from the Single Regeneration Budget money being spent in the neighbourhood.

The Hag Fold estate group has evolved and members have since created their own community plan -- the first of its kind in the area.

Atherton councillor, Sue Loudon, explained: "The idea behind these groups is that they work for the communities they live in, to achieve their aspirations.

"Howe Bridge Villagers is the same sort of group as the one up and running in Hag Fold.

"They will work with the local authority and police to improve their community.

"The idea is to find out what people in the area feel is important to them and the community.

"It is also important they have their say on how money being pumped into the estates is spent."

Members of Howe Bridge Villagers have held their first meeting, and have decided to meet on the first Thursday of each month.

The next meeting is Thursday, September 7.

Cllr Loudon added: "After that we hope the group will start arranging community events to get as many people in the area involved.

"And in the future the hope is that the group in Howe Bridge will draw up its own community plan -- following in the footsteps of neighbours in Hag Fold."