IMPROVING the image of Bemerton Heath by burying out-of-date perceptions is one task suggested in a glossy brochure.

The city's largest residential estate needs to be presented to the wider community in a more positive light and this will be tackled in the Ward Plan for Bemerton, a comprehensive blueprint document shaping the future of the whole of the Heath.

Behind the Ward Plan is the Bemerton Heath Interagency Group, a forum made up of members of the community, the police, district councillors, churches and other groups.

Parish priest, the Reverend Simon Woodley, described the plan as "fantastic plan" and he praised Edward Callaghan, manager of the neighbourhood centre, who chaired the forum for the last two years.

Mr Woodley said: "It makes clear what our priorities are and the need to improve the image of Bemerton Heath - we are a much better community than most people think of us as being."

One of the Heath's district councillors, Iris Evans, said: "There are many good people who live here. I want to think that every resident of Bemerton Heath will put something into it. The Plan has come about because of what people living here had told us.

"Mark my words, the Heath will be a great place to live and all residents will be proud of it."