A residents’ association in Abbots Langley has proved so popular with local people that it has won funding for new equipment to meet demand.

Hillside Residents’ Association has received a grant from Watford Community Housing Trust for new furniture for its estate office in School Mead, and a folding machine so it can send out newsletters about its activities.

The association applied for the funding as its estate office is in almost constant use. As well as being a place for people to meet up and discuss any issues they might have, it is also used on a regular basis by local agencies and societies, including a coffee morning run by West Herts College, laptop training sessions held by Age UK, and a local needlework group.

Peter Scott, Chairman of Hillside Residents’ Association, said: "The new equipment is really going to help us get the most out of this estate office and we are really grateful to the Housing Trust for all its support.

"The association has really grown over the last few years and we are always on the lookout for new members, so if you live in the area come and say hello. We can help if you have a local group or society, or if you simply want to get to know your neighbours better. Everyone’s welcome."