A survey has revealed positive attitudes towards living and working in the Leeming Road area, according to the action group which carried it out.

As reported in last week's Borehamwood & Elstree Times, the survey, by the newly-formed Leeming Road Events and Enhancement Group, highlighted problems of litter, vandalism, gangs of youths and drinking on the street.

But according to the group's Ben Godliman it also showed that, "people were very positive".

He added: "A lot of things showed up that I would not have been as aware of otherwise I did not realise they would be as fond of their shops."

Mr Godliman also believes that the introduction of CCTV last month had made people feel better.

"Generally speaking we discovered a more positive attitude than before CCTV was introduced, and people are more prepared to engage in the process of change for the better," he said.

The 80 responses to the survey carried out by delivering questionnaires to homes and interviewing people at a recent fair showed that 26 to 60-year-olds, the largest group surveyed, most valued being close to the shops.

This was followed by the area's: friendliness, parks, CCTV coverage, bus services, parking and it was "full of nice memories".

Those aged 11 to 25 also valued the shops on their doorsteps most of all, but commented there was not enough to do and said they would like a youth club.

Among those aged up to ten, some children said they felt intimidated by the teenagers in the area.

The group formed in May by residents, traders and representatives from The Community Shop and Groundwork Hertfordshire environment charity plans to improve the look of the Leeming and Aycliffe road areas, by taking action itself, with proposals for hanging flower-baskets, extra street cleaning, the clearing-away of graffiti and murals.