Potholes , anti-social behaviour and youth drinking were among the concerns raised at a residents' drop-in session in Northampton.
Representatives from the emergency services and the county council joined Conservative MP for Northampton South, Brian Binley, and neighbourhood wardens at St James Community Centre on Saturday to hear from people living in the area about pressing lo
cal issues.
Organiser and Councillor Suresh Patel (Con, St James) hailed the event - which attracted more than 50 people - as a success.
He said: "This is the first time we've organised this and we've had a good response so far so hopefully it's something we can try on a regular basis. We have heard a lot of concerns we can take back and work on.
"Potholes is the number one issue at the moment but there is also one area having a problem with drinking by young people," Councillor Patel added.
Among those attending the drop-in session were 65-year-old David Finlay and Anwarul Momen, aged 40. As residents of Weedon Road they came to report fears over safety from nearby Ross Road being used as a rat-run.
Mr Finlay said: "There was a meeting and it was agreed the road would be gated and only used to help get rid of traffic after Saints' games but the gate is often open and nearby verges keep being damaged by traffic. We're concerned about the dangers of traffic using that turning to people walking to and from the nearby retail park. We're here today because we need to get something done."
Mr Binley said: "I'm delighted with how today has gone.
"I never expected crowds but if we have a few people who feel slightly more secure knowing we're looking into their problems we've done some good."
