They're all backbenchers now

2:52pm Friday 7th December 2001

A COMMUNITY proved there is no sitting down on the job when it comes to improving the neighbourhood.

Residents of Hampden Hill, Beaconsfield, raised money and helped to install a bench for their street, with the new bench officially opened on November 24 by Beaconsfield Mayor Nico Sacchetti.

Dermot Cox, treasurer of the Hampden Hill Society, said the opening went very well.

He said: "We opened a bottle of champagne and it was a lovely day."

Mr Cox added that the hill where the bench was installed afforded a great view of the area and the bench would enable residents to enjoy the sights.

He said: "We can sit in the summer, have a nice glass of wine and chat to neighbours."

Mr Cox said the bench was part of the efforts of the street to be a community again and get in touch with each other again.

He said: "The way it's all arranged and because we live in similar houses, we're developing a sense of getting to know each other. In the early days, they used to meet each other with kids playing football but we're trying to build up contacts again, which we've done with reasonable success."