The Cliff Residents' Association was set up by tenants in Woolston, Southampton to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

During 2004, Raglan's estate in Woolston experienced a very difficult time, with crime and anti-social behaviour affecting the whole community. Some tenants felt a residents' association was the best option they had to bring the community together and work towards improving the quality of life for all.

Once the the Cliff Residents' Association was formed, it was essential that Raglan, Southampton City Council and the police listen to their issues. Through determination and hard work, the residents' association advertised its aims to other residents, and formed effective partnerships with the police, the City Safety Team and other groups.

Their work has been formally acknowledged by the city council, as they helped with the launch of the national anti-social behaviour hotline. They were also chosen as one of the few schemes to be visited by Louise Casey, a high-ranking civil servant answering directly to Tony Blair who has been tasked with tackling anti-social behaviour at a national level.

Schemes and projects that the residents' association has organised include:

• Two rubbish amnesty days
• The provision of children's play areas with CCTV to improve security
• Helping the City Safety Team launch the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens for the Woolston area

The moral of this story is... the partnerships are out there to form and with perseverance and enthusiasm, much can be achieved in a short time.