A RESIDENTS’ association is to close after 18 years, blaming neighbourhood apathy.
The Larches Residents Association was formed in 1993, covering a small area of Hillingdon at the southern end of Long Lane.
It represented 298 homes in The Larches, The Dingle, Brampton Road and Redwood Close, but committee members have lately become disheartened because of dwindling support and lack of new members.
Grace Ganden, its secretary, said: "We can confirm The Larches Residents’ Association is disbanded with immediate effect, due to the apathy of residents and a reluctance to integrate or become involved with the community.”
The decision was made at a general meeting at the end of last month, attended by 25 members.
The association successfully campaigned for 80 car parking bays to be installed on the estate, and brought forward by two years the renovation of all council properties.
Six years ago it secured funding for play facilities for children on the estate, which were opened in October 2005 by the then Queen’s Park Rangers manager, Ian Holloway.
Association chairman Alf Carter, 85, said: “I feel it was a very unfortunate decision we had to make. Quite clearly there was not the feeling around here to carry on with the assoication; it is a great shame.
“It was a decision we were prepared to make going into the meeting. Two new people volunteered to take on roles but two is not enough to form a committee.
“We have tried to integrate new people, delivering leaflets and newsletters without bombarding them, but it has not worked.
“We feel we have made a difference over the last 18 years but it would have been nice to get to 20.”
