A scheme to boost a deprived neighbourhood in Great Yarmouth using the power of creativity has been launched by an arts organisation based in the town.
Seachange Arts has set up a pilot neighbourhood transformation project named Up Our Street.
It will focus on the heart of the Nelson Ward area on some of the streets around Seachange Arts headquarters at the Drill House and also the Time and Tide Museum.
Joe Mackintosh, SeaChange's chief executive, said: 'The aim is for neighbours to come together with artists, gardeners and creative practitioners to take small, practical steps to improve the environment in this area.
'We want local residents, artists and creative people to come to us with ideas on how they'd like to see things improve, and we'll be providing some ideas as to how they can take action themselves.'
The pilot project will run for three months and will be led by building conservator, designer and gardener Rachel Harrison.
She said: 'Over the next few months we'll be hosting all sorts of creative sessions at the Drill House. 'Everything from mural workshops and making bug hotels to upcycling and gardening. We want as many people, young and old, to come along, take part and share their own thoughts on the neighbourhood.'
SeaChange will use the pilot period to carry out a consultation, run a number of creative workshops, assess the issues and prepare bids for funding to continue and expand the project.
The Nelson Ward has suffered over many years with persistent problems including fly tipping, derelict housing and vandalism.
About 8,000 people live in the ward and previous figures have shown it has one of the highest rates of people claiming unemployment benefits in the United Kingdom.
It has also been said in a borough council report that there are' pockets of deep deprivation' in the ward.
Mr Mackintosh added: 'Nevertheless there's a strong, underlying sense of community and harnessing it creatively like this would be very good for the area.'
The launch of Up Our Street was held on Friday at the Drill House.
Anyone interested in Up Our Street can visit at www.seachangearts.org.uk
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