It was once dubbed one of the most notorious estates in Somerset.

And last year the Bournville Estate in Weston-super-Mare was shown to be, statistically, the most deprived area in the country, with Lonsdale Avenue and Bournville Road taking the top spot.

Its reputation was one it had held onto for many years, with some deeming it a no-go zone.

The estate was built in the 1920s and 1930s - with the first homes, costing 7s 4d to rent, going up in Bournville Road, although building was halted during the war.

Some homes in areas including Argyle Avenue and Lonsdale Avenue had to be rebuilt after being blitzed in the conflict.

The estate's shops, now at St Andrew's Parade, were at that point in Selworthy Road which quickly became a hub for the local community.

Many of those who were bombed out of their homes in the main town moved onto the estate.

The estate got its name from an estate of a similar name in Birmingham. Weston-super-Mare's  first adventure playground was built there in 1973.

In the 70s and 80s had its own ‘gang’ – all raised on the estate – known as The Squad who, who although they had a love of Screech cider and fighting, fiercely protected its borders.

There were also regular battles between gangs from the other two estates, Oldmixon and Coronation, many of which took place at the Spider Park.

Saturday nights involved drinks at the social club or Ancaster and perhaps a taxi into town if you had the cash.

And everyone seemed to know each other.

Today amongst the blocks of flats, terraced houses and family homes, there remains a sense of community not seen in many newer developments.

Many of those living on the estate have been there for years and have no intention of moving on.

Youngsters who grew up there often stay to bring up their own families.

The estate, although it still has its issues with crime, poor health and poverty, has seen significant investment over the years.

It has welcomed new housing, has its own Healthy Living Centre which is home to a doctors’ surgery, café and other community services.

St Andrew’s Parade – now seen as the Bournville’s hub - has a number of shops, including a convenience store with Post Office, a hairdressers, takeaway and a community area called the Information Station, run by housing provider Alliance Homes.

There is also a residents' gardening project,  a community garden where events are held, a library, church and children’s centre.

The main town and sandy beach is a short drive or walk away.

People relax on Weston-super-Mare beach

New analysis from the Reach Data Unit has now revealed the Bournville is the best connected place in Somerset.

The study ranked it top because of its easy access to schools, doctors' surgeries and food shops from the estate.

Find things to do with the kids near you:

The data reveals people living around Argyle Avenue are just minutes from local schools and on average it takes five minutes to get to a primary school and nine minutes to a secondary on foot or by public transport.

For residents, getting to their GP takes around six minutes on average by walking or public transport or seven minutes by car and bike.

Weston General Hospital - where more staff are urgently needed

Those heading to Weston General can expect their journey to take 21 minutes by foot or public transport or 11 minutes in a car.

Bristol Airport is just over an hour away by public transport or 34 minutes in the car, while Bristol Temple Meads is 48 minutes by public transport, and Bristol Parkway is 47 minutes travel by car.

And it seems as if those who live and work there are happy to do so

What the locals say

Deborah Shields has owned the Technicolor hair salon on St Andrews Crescent for the last two decades.

"I've been here 20 years and I wouldn't be here if I didn't feel the community spirit," she said.

"There's fantastic facilities and the chocolate garden is wonderful. They updated the new play area last week so it's safer, too."

Deborah says she doesn't use the bus service but it's a regular topic of conversation amongst her clients, especially after the discontinuation of the service to the hospital.

Pauline Norton has lived in Weston for around 30 years
Pauline Norton has lived in Weston for around 30 years

Pauline Norton has lived in Weston for around 30 years and says as a pensioner, having amenities so close is a great help.

She mentions the GP surgery and the Boots chemist where she gets her tablets once a week.

When asked about Bournville being the most connected place in Somerset she said:"Well it is true, it's all connected, you've got the doctors there, you've got the bus stop which is handy, the council place there, everything is just handy, it is for me anyway.

"I gave up driving a couple of years ago because insurance for me is ridiculous, just because I'm old.

"I've been driving since I was 20 and I've never had an accident."

Pauline swapped the car for her mobility scooter and goes as far as the large Asda store, a mile away just across the A370, if she needs to.

William Timmins, aged 86
William Timmins, aged 86

William Timmins, 86, has lived in the Bournville area for around seven years and says while he loves living in the area, his feet don't, as the buses are "terrible."

He said: "I went to catch the bus at the top and I walked up there to the bus stop,  I went to catch the five past nine bus that didn't turn up,  the 20 past didn't turn up and while I waited there five buses came the opposite way but none went back."

Mr Timmins says the buses are unreliable and explained how an old Army injury affects his mobility.

Eric Roberts, aged 73
Eric Roberts, aged 73

Eric Roberts, 73, has lived on the Bournville estate for 58 years, he thinks dubbing the area as the most connected is "a load of rubbish, actually."

He said: "The schools are alright but the doctors is a waste of time and there's nothing much else on the Bournville really, only trouble.

"There's not much is there, I mean you got this, the post office, the chemist and that's it.

"When I moved here there was an iron mongers which I worked at, that was in '62 but it's all gone.

"It's all housing now."

A resident, who has lived in Weston his whole life but moved to the Bournville three years ago said that there's a "genuine community here."

The resident, who wished to remain anonymous said the communal gardens had "great potential," and it had been an venue for "great events" like birthday parties and barbecues.

He praised the Information Station - a drop in centre that provides information, help and support on housing issues, jobs, CVs and careers advice.

He said: "They'll sort your whole life out and tell you how it is."