RESIDENTS and shoppers who use an area of south Yate are being invited to the launch of a new plan aimed to turn it around.

The Abbotswood Community Plan is being officially made public at a launch event on Thursday, September 18 (7pm).

Mary Wright, chairman of Abbotswood Action Group, said: “Abbotswood Action Group, with the support of South Gloucestershire Council community engagement officer Jacqui Ward initiated the Abbotswood Community Plan to be based on the replies to a questionnaire which was widely delivered in south Yate a few months ago.

“One of the questions asked was whether the recipients were prepared to volunteer their services in order to enhance the area, and a large number replied positively.

“We have invited these volunteers to the plan launch and we are hopeful that the plan will kick-start the regeneration of Abbotswood.”

The plan is in response to concerns for the future of Abbotswood Shopping Centre and the surrounding neighbourhood in particular because its absent land owners have not responded to requests to clean up the district centre.

Abbotswood’s downtrodden appearance has also been blamed on a transient population, with many residents not living there long enough to join community groups, and the shopping centre not being gated at night unlike Yate Shopping Centre.

In May last year, the Gazette reported how traders and residents agreed to join forces to take over the maintenance of the area and gained the support of South Gloucestershire Council to formulate an action plan.

At the time Mrs Wright said: “The action group was set up several years ago in the hope something could be done about the regrettable state of Abbotswood and in particular the shopping centre.

“This area has been open to the public for the last 40 years and is used by thousands of people every year. It is not gated at night like Yate Shopping Centre.

“Abbotswood has a very transient population,” she said. “It is extremely difficult to get people involved but we have to do something.”

Thornbury and Yate MP Steve Webb will attend the launch along with local councillors. All residents are welcome to find out more about the plan and how to get involved.

It takes place at St Nicholas Family Centre in Abbotswood. Refreshments supplied by local businesses will be served and the launch will be followed by the annual meeting of Abbotswood Action Group.