Reading Borough Council chiefs are looking for developers willing to help breathe new life into the Berkshire town's Dee Park estate.

A development brief has now been drawn up to guide potential bidders in putting together ideas for the site.

It has been created with the help of residents on the 900-home estate.

'Tremendous community spirit'

They will have a further chance to have their say on the plans when they are officially launched next week.

They have already spoken out on the need to replace Lyon Square, provide facilities for local youngsters and to tackle crime on the 1960s estate.

Estate resident Josh Wilson said: "It is important we get an accurate and truly representative view of all the residents.

"In my opinion, it is the only way any developer will be able to deliver the goods.

'Relatively deprived'

"I am encouraging as many people as I see and meet with to keep telling the "powers that be" what we want to happen to this area."

Councillor Jo Lovelock, chair of the council's community and regeneration action group, said: "The Dee Park area has a lot of positive things going for it, including a tremendous community spirit.

"But we recognise there are problems too, and the area is relatively deprived.

"The regeneration aims to revitalise the area."