SYDENHAM residents are being called upon get involved with a new mini-street fair.

The new event, which is part of the Local People in Sydenham project, will take place next Sunday (September 25) between 11am and 2pm on Fairfax Road between Parkway and Bridgwater College.

The free family event will include the opportunity to plant locally-made planters with Bridgwater and Taunton College as well as take part in yarnbombing, spray chalking the street and fence painting with the help of Homes in Sedgemoor.

Music will be provided from the Bridgwater-based Sedgemoor FM radio station with the Together Team – East Bridgwater funding face painting for the kids.

Co-op Parkway are providing free fruit, and Bridgwater College Academy will also be fundraising for the year 7 group trip with tombola, basketball and guess how many sweets in the jar games.

The project has already had an impact on the local area with a community noticeboard unveiled outside the community centre, colourful bollards and planting on the grass verge along Parkway by the shops – these ideas have been implemented to create better spaces for people to use as part of their day to day lives.

This Local People project focuses on improving the quality of life for people in the area and giving them greater control over the design and activities that take place to create better community spaces.

It takes a neighbourhood approach, engaging local people and empowering them to address wider issues in the community, benefitting health and wellbeing in the process.

Residents in Sydenham are being supported by Sustrans using funding from People’s Health Trust and Sedgemoor District Council.

People’s Health Trust has invested £114,000 in the project using money raised by HealthFull through The Health Lottery,

Sedgemoor District Council has also provided additional funding of £84,000 match.

Alan Muir, project co-ordinator for Sustrans in Sydenham, said: “The event is a great chance to realise some of the design ideas put forward as well as provide a glimpse into what makes streets great places with people coming together to improve it with colour, plants and artwork whilst showing off their own skills and enthusiasm.”

John Hume, chief executive of People’s Health Trust, said: “People’s Health Trust believes that people coming together to take local action can have significant benefits to the health and wellbeing within a neighbourhood. "This project in Sydenham will support the increasing empowerment of local people to address wider issues in their communities and neighbourhoods through collective action.”

Kristy Blackwell, Together Team Coordinator added: "We are really excited about the mini-street fair on the 25th.

"There will be lots of free activities for families to take part in as well as an opportunity for residents to find out how they can get more involved in making a difference to their local area.

"We hope the sun shines and everyone can enjoy this free community event."

For the latest news including when people can help paint the planters in preparation for the 25th, check out the Facebook and Twitter pages at www.facebook.com/sydenhamstreetdesign and @streetdesignSYD.