Now, sharing a sports hall with the community centre is St Martin’s School.It’s a special needs school, and the headteacher, Philip Ormerod, and his staff cater for some 90 pupils with learning difficulties.

We’ll be trying to do a number of things to make a difference - including restructuring the school grounds, with the help of lots of organisations (and possibly you..)

St Martin's workshop superviser Bob Adams with school head, Phil Ormerod

"Groundwork" has provided a design, and the probation service will muster its community service workers to implement it. Local businesses are already responding generously to requests for materials, and "Q Arts" is going to take a creative look at the school entrance, while Rolls-Royce work on a new logo.

There are lots of other elements on the wish-list. Apart, though, from the more practical, physical changes, we’d like to help with the resources the children have for their lessons: drama, music, the expressive arts, reading materials and I.T.

A hugely important aspect of this whole enterprise, as we mentioned at the beginning, is the business of getting people’s voices heard on air.

Throughout we’ll be trying to tell individual stories - possibly your story if you live in the streets around the centre and the school- and will be delighted to be contacted with hints and suggestions about who to talk to.

By the end of May we ought to have acquired a whole new host of radio-neighbours. Even if you don’t happen to live near by,it may be that we’ll be asking you to help, with materials, advice and skills - anything from setting up allotments to hearing a child read.

Do keep an ear out for regular features and updates on Radio Derby, and keep an eye on the website. For more information meanwhile do call the Radio Derby Actiondesk on 01332 370707.