Reports of Heston's demise have been greatly exaggerated according to residents fighting to save its village feel.

The village recently made the top 10 in a nationwide study into the decline of community life across Britain.

The report, prepared by Oxford University for the Government, ranked areas based on the loss of access to local services in the last four years, with the hamlet of Wrotham in Kent topping the list of 'excluded' communities.

But as scores of people turned out to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Heston Residents' Association last Wednesday the mood was defiant.

HRA is still going strong 80 years after its creation and boasts more than 500 households as members fighting to preserve the area's unique atmosphere.

The group's agenda has been dominated in recent years by three major issues: the Heston Schools Project, which finally got the go-ahead earlier this year nearly a decade since it was first proposed; the Heston leisure complex which appears to have reached a standstill due to the housing crash; and the uncertain future of the Hermitage, a decaying listed cottage in Upper Sutton Lane.

David Blackett (pictured), chairman of HRA, said it was important to keep pressure on councillors and council officers by attending meetings and making residents views known.

"There's a strong community feel and an awareness of the need to preserve the area's look and village atmosphere against over-development," he said.

For more about HRA and becoming a member, call secretary Vivienne Blackett on 020 8843 0705.