Sir Menzies Campbell Visits The Pickersleigh Community Centre In Malvern

7.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 23rd Apr 2007

Community projects in Malvern won high praise from Liberal Democrat Leader, Sir Menzies Campbell when he visited Pickersleigh last Friday.

Sir Menzies, accompanied by West Worcestershire's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt, was shown the Pickersleigh Community Centre where he met police officers, community support officers and ward councillors who have been involved in projects to improve the quality of life locally.

He then met local mums, Louise Reeve and Carrie Rice along with neighbourhood watch coordinator, Tom Corns to discuss their involvement in helping to improve the neighbourhood for residents around Elgar Avenue.

The Lib Dem leader accompanied them to meet Elgar Scotties football team, which was recently founded by residents as their latest project, in memory of Scott Rice who died tragically aged 14, in 2005.

Sir Menzies, a former athlete who held the British 100 metres sprint record from 1967 to 1974, watched with interest as PCSO Steve Freeman put the youngsters through their paces on a pitch created from waste ground for the team.

He was clearly a hit with the youngsters who crowded around for his autograph after the training demonstration.

Sir Menzies, visiting in the run up to district council elections on May 3rd, praised their activities saying:

"What I've seen today is a tribute to the determined people who want to make life better for all those who live here. It's genuine people power."

Richard Burt said: "It was a privilege to be invited here today to appreciate the efforts of local people. All those involved, including parents, children, police, councillors, youth and community workers are to be congratulated because their activities are making Pickersleigh a better, more enjoyable place to live."