AN ABERGAVENNY residents' association is appealing for new members as it combats local problems including a recent case of an exploding litter bin which caused £400 worth of damage.

The Dan y Deri estate has 136 houses and has been beset with various problems, with the park bin set alight just before Christmas and syringes found scattered on a pathway.

Its residents and tenants association has 10 members that meet every three months.

Christine Smith, 60 of 87 Dan y Deri said: "I only wish that more people would get involved to help address these problems.

"We heard the explosion from the house and thought that it was a firework, but it kept getting louder.

"Next day I realised that the bin had been filled with aerosols, set alight and then all the rubbish seeped out on to the floor."

With fittings, the bin cost £400 to put in which the tenants association raised through events such as a jumble sale.

Association chairman Albert McNab said: "There's also been cases of kids playing apparatus taken from the park, a wooden bench dismantled and most worrying, syringes scattered on a pathway on three occasions. If a kid pricked their finger on one of those, their life could be over before it's begun.

"We are just trying to make this a better place for the local kids. While one or two people spoil it, most people around here are marvellous."

The association organises regular litter pick-ups, gives Christmas hampers to the over 70s, has an annual fete and a garden club.

It plans to start a motorbike safety class for local youngsters and last year won £100 for its flower displays from Monmouthshire County Council.

Local residents interested in joining the association and helping in the community can call Albert McNab on 01873 851320.