It is hard not to wonder how this group of dedicated Glenroi residents is going to make a difference in their neighbourhood when so many other groups have failed.

Drug and alcohol use is an ongoing problem in the area and vandalised houses with overgrown grass can sometimes remain in a state of disrepair for months.

After organising several weekend get-togethers and barbecues, the group has decided to tackle the problem head-on by considering a range of radical new approaches.

One of the things the group is looking at doing is walking the suburban streets and using a phone app to record and report any problems they see to various local authorities, including the police.

The concern is that in doing this the group may be seen as a pseudo police force who will become the targets of abuse themselves.

For any kind of grassroots group to work it needs to have the full backing and support of the wider community behind it.

Individual organisations, including Orange City Council and the police, are launching wonderful initiates in Glenroi, but surely more could be achieved if everyone worked together.

The residents of Glenroi are more likely to support improvements to their community if the push for change is being led by their own neighbours and friends, with the backing of the authorities

The Glenroi Community Group plans to meet again next month, let’s hope it attracts the support it needs from all sectors of the community.