Irene Janes sat in the diary room to record her hopes and concerns

Borrowing an idea from the Channel 4 reality television show, a 'diary room' has been set up in Bonymaen to record the views of people living there.

It will form the basis of an 'action plan' for the area, aimed at changing its image as 'run down.'

Issues raised included under-age drinking, drugs, youth facilities, health services and jobs.

Bonymaen has got a really bad reputation and a number of years ago perhaps it was valid but not anymore Irene Janes

The Communities First project is a Welsh Assembly Government-backed initiative to tackle poverty and crime in the poorest wards in Wales.

Irene Janes was one of those who recorded her thoughts on camera.

She has been living in Bonymaen for 25 years and believes the area has a reputation it does not deserve.

"Bonymaen has got a really bad reputation and a number of years ago perhaps it was valid but not anymore," she said.

"It's like a dripping tap - you hear what people say from the outside and people start to believe it - there is not enough self belief.

"What we need most is a massive PR job so people can see it's not a bad place to live.

Bonymaen is set for a facelift

"There is also a lot of apathy - things like this are a good idea but it is the same 15 people you see all the time."

Community First co-ordinator Karen Grunhut said there had been a reasonably good response but said as many views as possible were needed.

"We wanted to ask people what's needed as part of the regeneration of Bonymaen and rather than just get them to fill out forms we wanted some way of getting people's attention.

"We have funding until 2010 so we have been asking them what things they would like to see evicted from Bonymaen and what they would like to see in the future."

The format proved popular with most.

Nursery nurse Sian Powell said: "Growing up here it seem a lot worse than it is now.

Nursery nurse Sian Powell said drink and drugs were a worry for some

"Things I would like to see go are drugs and drink and things like that but those are everywhere these days."

John Collins moved to the area a year and a half ago and said he found it a good place to live.

"Some roads have got a bad reputation but I have found it very friendly," he said.

"There are some parts that are run down. It needs a bit of leadership - so far what has been done has not made much of an impact."

Ms Grunhut said later in the year she planned to hold a feedback evening showing highlights from the opinions voiced on Monday.

"What happens then all depends what problems people come up with and what projects are needed.