Prospect Estate residents in Devonshire continue to be active in promoting neighbourhood spirit, but stand firm in their opposition to Government plans to build 34 additional emergency housing units in the area.

But residents said they recognise that Government has been open to their resistance to the new housing plans, citing several meetings with their MP in Devonshire North Central, Glenn Blakeney.

Residents took part in carol singing last night in an area which is comprised of resident-owned townhouses, emergency houses and retirement flats.

“It's amazing how we've come together as a neighbourhood,” said one of the townhouse owners.

“We've already organised a committee to focus of the proposed plans to build on top of the flat tops, and there are committees in the works for neighbourhood clean-ups, a neighbourhood watch and to welcome new residents.”

The recent community mobilisation comes in the face of the Bermuda Housing Corporation's plans to construct 34 new units atop of the flat-roofed houses which already act as government low rent, emergency housing.

“It's an amazing neighbourhood and we just don't want to see it change. Quite frankly we're already bursting at the seams,” said the resident, who requested anonymity.

“I'd invite anyone to come up here around 6 p.m. and they'll see for themselves that we probably have too many people already.”

But the resident added she was encouraged by the work being done by Mr. Blakeney to bring their concerns to Housing Minister Terry Lister.

“Mr. Blakeney has had several meetings with us and there is at least one coming up in the near future to discuss exactly what the residents want.

“He is really doing what he can to work with us. From the response the neighbourhood has received recently from the Minister, he seems to be very sensitive to our demands.”