Youngsters in Kingsfold, Penwortham, are looking forward to playing football with their new goal posts thanks to our Community Investment Fund.

Following requests from children and teenagers in the area, we worked with Penwortham Town Council and South Ribble Council to secure the funding bid. South Ribble Police also supported us as a community partner.

The new goal posts were installed last month and were a focal point for our community clean-up day in Kingsfold last week.

It was a busy day, as families teamed up to go litter picking, enjoying a well-earned Easter egg at the end.

We were joined by PCSOs from South Ribble Police, Penwortham Town Council Mayor David Bennet, and Mayor of Leyland, Coun Jane Bell.

Members of our Progress Futures team talked to the community about the employment advice and support they can offer, and worked alongside Penwortham CAP Job Club.

Children also had fun making art from recycled paper and had their bikes repaired, with South Ribble Council. They also took part in sunflower planting.

Derek Wunderley, Area Housing Officer at Progress Housing Group, said: “We are grateful to everyone who turned up to support us and make the day a success. We would also like to thank South Ribble Council who provided us with litter picking equipment and supported us with installing the goal posts. I know the youngsters are thrilled they are able to play football now.

“We particularly enjoyed working with our tenants and residents who did litter picking to make the area a better place to live.  And through this, we were supporting Penwortham Town Council’s Greener Fortnight campaign.

“We also set this day up to connect with our tenants and reach those who may need our support. We were also able to help any tenants with employment advice through our Progress Futures scheme.

“It was a great day, where everyone got involved to make a difference to the community.”

Steve Caswell, Penwortham Town Manager, said: “Penwortham Town Council is always happy and willing to work with our partners and the community clean-up day was something we are proud to have helped out in any way we can.

“The new goalposts are something that the local children have been asking for. They can now have a kick around to their hearts content and also arrange real matches if they wish. These goalpost will now give them a focus and a source of entertainment, not only over the coming summer months but for many years to come.

“We were also happy to speak to residents about The Penwortham Green Fortnight, an initiative to encourage awareness of the climate change issues we are all facing. We have been giving out bags for life, light bulbs and lots of information about making a difference. We have also planted a number of native fruit trees throughout the town.”

Community clean-up days are based on tenant feedback, as part of our You said, We did work, and provide an opportunity to help make their areas better places to live. The events also offer colleagues and tenants a chance to meet and feel a part of the community.

Anybody can volunteer at these events, from tenants to our own colleagues.

Tenants are sent leaflets through the door, encouraging them to bring out any rubbish they have that perhaps they cannot get to a skip or the tip themselves to dispose of. They are also invited to join us for lunch and chat with us about any issues they may have.