With help and advice from experts at Sovereign Housing Association, Thames Valley Police, West Berkshire Council, and other agencies, the residents decided to focus on a handful of issues. These included curbing underage drinking, vandalism and noise nuisance on the estate.

The need to find a sports area for older children to hang out was identified, while other priorities are to install more lighting, get the CCTV system up and running, as well as tidying and maintaining green spaces.

Lisa Denison, Regeneration Coordinator for Sovereign Housing Association, organised last Wednesday’s event.

She said: “Once again, it was very encouraging to see local people talking in depth to those who can support their hopes for change and improvement, in the area where they live.

“If we continue to get this level of involvement, it is likely that we can create long lasting improvements in this area that residents will be proud of, because they will have helped to make it happen.”

The event follows on from the Gener8 Day in July, when more than 100 people packed out the community centre to air their views. An action plan for the area will be out at the end of this month, but several tasks have already been ticked off.

Five things to create a new dawn for the Nightingales

• The shop and community centre frontage will get a makeover.
• Anti-social behaviour will be curbed through wardens and better lighting
• Green spaces will be kept tidy and maintained more regularly.
• CCTV will be keeping a check on the estate 24 hours a day.
• Childrens' play areas will be refurbished