"It was absolutely fabulous, a lot better than I imagined," said Laura.

"We partied into the night and finished about 10pm. It really bought everybody together. One family moved on to the street less than a month ago and didn't know anybody but they were talking away to everyone and loved it.

"Another young family had never really spoken to anyone but enjoyed it so much they are planning a party at their house. I would recommend a street party to anyone, it was great."

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Laura, aged 26, organised the event with neighbour Zoe Nockall. There was music, a bouncy castle, bingo, apple bobbing and, to end the day, a fireworks display. Other residents and businesses did their bit with donations and loans of equipment. People for Places Housing Association paid for a marquee.

"The food was amazing," said Laura. "One person brought a big pan of curry, someone else brought chilli, someone did some homemade soup and my mum made a load of fairy cakes. People also brought sausage rolls, pasta, jacket potatoes and cakes – we were overrun with food."

Laura, who is due to start university to train as a nurse, said: "We will definitely do it again next year but people are begging me to do one at Christmas. They want a Santa, roast chestnuts, mulled wine and carols! If I have time I am happy to do it."

Local councillor Jenny Armstrong, who lives around the corner, said: "I really love living in the area and it doesn't deserve its bad reputation. The street party was an inspirational effort by Laura."


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