I was so saddened to read of the degeneration of Eldene. However, as one of the first people to move into Eldene all those years ago I feel need to put the record straight.

Eldene was never, as you put it, an overspill for people from London. Eldene was promoted by the council as a modern village and the first residents were vetted to ensure that they were of good character and good rent payers.

Right from the start there was a community spirit, young families starting out on a new beginning.

The concept of a new village was very real to a number of people and many referred to the place as Eldene village, even putting this on their address. Here was a place where traffic was taken away, a place full of open space and walk ways where the children could play in safety.

We had our own version of the lottery long before the national lottery, only we called it lucky numbers. Mick Garret would call to collect the money for the draw which was for our first mother and toddler club, held in the mobile shop our only shop before the centre was built.

By the time the centre and shops were built we had a great community spirit among the neighbours, and council liaison workers living in the village working to pull everything together.

Once the centre was built we formed an elected community council made up of resident volunteers who worked their socks off to make it all work.

We never turned anyone away and we never ever had any trouble.

I hope I have given a better picture of Eldene.

Yes, we did have problems outside the centre, although in those early days the trouble makers came from other areas. In the end it was the residents who persuaded the riff raff to stay away.

Eldene started out as a brave new way and for the most part it was a great place to live. I hope the residents can somehow re kindle that old community spirit and drive these spoilers out of their lives. Evil only thrives when good people do nothing.

S Garner

Liden