AN ACTION plan will be drawn up to tackle problems highlighted by Helsby villagers.

Helsby Village Action Group met to sort through questionnaires dropped into more than 2,000 homes in March.

The village plan, funded by the Countryside Alliance, is designed to help residents engage in issues including crime, traffic problems, public transport and leisure facilities over the next decade.

Of the 240 questionnaires filled in, 75% of villagers who responded said they had been living in Helsby for more than 15 years and 80% said they were happy with life in the village.

When asked about quality of life, which includes environmental issues and crime, 37% said things had got worse while 45% said life had remained the same.

Topping the poll of negative issues in Helsby was chemical pollution, with vandalism, litter and anti-social behaviour close behind.

Parking, speeding and traffic also featured as areas requiring attention and lack of variety of shops and leisure facilities were on the wishlist of needed improvements.

Funding facilities and activities for young people such as a skateboard park was also considered a big priority.

Asked what they most liked about Helsby, residents said it was close to countryside, but also Chester, Manchester and Liverpool, they had pleasant neighbours and high quality schools.

Action group chairman Cllr Terry O'Neill said he was pleased with the 'positive' response to the survey.

He said: 'Short term we need to tackle the graffiti and also the perception of crime in the village. Long term we need to provide leisure facilities for young people. Issues like the skateboard park, squash courts and a swimming pool have been mentioned.

'One interesting point to come out of the survey is a call for a better sense of community. This is a good opportunity to address it.

'I would like to see more community events - I have never seen so many people gathered together in Helsby as I did at last Friday's firework display.

Chris Lyons, 71, of Holly Court, who took part in the survey said she would like to see a youth centre for Helsby.

'People complain when they see youngsters together at 8 or 9pm, but what are they to do? It does help if they have somewhere to go.' she said.

The action group will be split into sub groups for Security; Transport; Traffic, Leisure and Community.

These will report back by December 2 and the plan has to be delivered by July 31 next year.

All results of the survey will be online next week on the action group website - www.hvag.org.uk

If you would like to join the group contact Cllr Terry O'Neill on 01928 723205