RESIDENTS on a housing estate are being urged to support a scheme which could see their area regenerated.

Ninefields, in Waltham Abbey, is one of five places across the county shortlisted for funding from the Essex Criminal Justice Board.

Under the Ninefields Community Centre Project money recovered from criminal assets would be used to renovate the community hall at the heart of the estate with a new entrance and artwork.

A spokesman for the Board said: “The entrance is dilapidated, there is no signage and walls are graffitied. The Estate has been the focus for drug dealing and severe anti-social behaviour.

“Funding would support the provision of a new secure entrance area and a complimentary young persons' community art project, culminating in the production of a 3D sculpture for the front wall. Local young people would work with an artist to develop, design and consult publically on the piece of art work.

“ Ninefields ward councillor and Waltham Abbey Council leader Stuart Pryde said: “Ninefields has been neglected for years and years. It was rated one of the top ten most deprived areas of Essex a few years back.

“Obviously it'd be nice to give something back. It keeps getting a bad rep with people always knocking it. It doesn't look its best and definitely needs some work doing. If people support it we'll get it. It's down to them to get behind it and make it happen.”

People can vote for the Ninefields project online at http://cashback.cjsonline.gov.uk/. The closing date is September 25.