A POP-UP ‘town’ on the Austin Estate, Hayes, is being established by students from London Metropolitan University in a bid to bring the community together.

It is hoped that activities run by the students, from the Sir John Cass Faculty of Art, Architecture and Design, will make the area a better place in which to live, while improving perceptions of the area.

The activities include ballet classes, a gardening club and a children’s orchestra after a series of trial events in and around the Austin Estate and Station Road area last year.

Student Susan Kudo, 34, has set up a ladies’ sewing club, which has attracted interest from women of diverse backgrounds.

She said: “The clubs are getting stronger, with residents taking a lead in organising the meetings. They are happy to share their skills with neighbours.”

Recently, the sewing club was awarded a grant from Heathrow Community Trust, to buy sewing machines.

The sewing club meets every Thursday in the community room on the Austin Estate, from 9.30am-12.30pm.