Dylan the problem solver

A COMMUNITY champion is planning to hold monthly surgeries at Hattersley to help residents solve their problems.

Dylan Longmate, who founded the Hattersley Community Facebook Group, is behind the initiative.

“I must receive 20 messages each week asking me for help which is why I think it would be good to have a surgery once each month,” he explained.

Dylan Longmate

“The idea would be to have a one-hour session and hopefully there will be involvement from local councillors.

“It is a case of signposting people to where they need to go to get their problems solved.

“And where lots of residents have common concerns, maybe we have a forum where maybe 10 or 15 can all meet up to discuss them.”

There have been lots of issues raised in recent months ranging from wheelie bin problems, fly-tipping, an infestation of rats and dampness in homes.

Dylan, whose group has more than 4,000 members, added: “During lockdown people have taken to Facebook more than ever and become more and more involved in community events.

“We have seen that with the litter picks with the numbers growing. They have been good for people to have a community catch-up.

“And with all the lockdown restrictions, the litter picks have for some become their only social activity.”

• A carnival due to come to Hattersley on June 26-27 has been rearranged for July 30 – August 2.
It has been organised by the committee at the Hattersley Big Community Project.

The carnival, which will feature stalls and rides, will take place outside the estate’s community garden.

“After what we have all gone through, it will be great to have an event which brings the community together,” explained Dylan.

It is hoped in future years that the carnival will evolve into a parade with floats, similar to the events of yesteryear on the estate.

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