Henbury has had its fair share of bad publicity – reports of youths making a nuisance of themselves outside stores in Crow Lane and the assault and robbery of two Brazilian men in the area.

People in Church Lane have suffered at the hands of young groups vandalising their homes and cars.

But the police, led by new sergeant Terry Scoble, have acted swiftly to address the problems.

And residents insist that Henbury is still a lovely area in which to live, with only a minority spoiling its reputation.

For one, Henbury can boast the beautiful 18th-century Blaise Castle estate where visitors and residents can enjoy a walk through the picturesque grounds, kids can play on the swings and adults enjoy a coffee in the sunshine.

Then there are the hidden jewels. Blaise Hamlet off Weston Road is a National Trust property, housing nine beautiful thatched cottages with remarkable chimneys, where brides often have their after wedding picture. The Hamlet was designed by famous architect John Nash, who built Brighton Pavilion and helped build Buckingham Palace.

In Rectory Gardens is the impressive Henbury Manor, a large and decadent property, owned originally by a wealthy merchant but now Woodstock School.

And then there is the vast conservation area with its wide array of wildlife.

On top of these gems is a local community with strong schools, good pubs, a well-used village hall, pretty churches, summer fetes, a sports centre, an annual flower show and residents bound together by a tremendous spirit.

Colin Whitehead, 66, lives in one of the thatched cottages. He said: "Henbury is wonderful. I have been here since 2000 and I absolutely love it. It's a really pleasant community where everybody goes to the local church and knows everybody else."

Jan Hewitt, 51, of Edington Grove, Henbury, said: "I have lived here for 31 years and it's like living in a village. People choose to live in Henbury because they like the area and enjoy it.

"There are loads of wonderful options here. We are very lucky to have the Downs and Blaise Castle on the doorstep and there is a great spirit among residents."

Former policeman Harry Pepall, 82, from Windmill Lane, said: "It's a pleasure to walk along Crow Lane because everybody knows each other and gets on so well.

"I had an auction in support of our lovely village hall and almost everybody gave me something to put in it. Ninety-nine per cent of people here are so friendly. If I do the lawn it takes me about two hours because everybody always wants to stop for a chat.

"I am from Yorkshire but Henbury is a great place to live and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else."

Radio producer Tom Bennett, 43, from Gleneagles Drive said: "I grew up in Henbury and went to Henbury School. It is an urban area with a country feel to it because there is so much green space and with the Blaise Castle estate we have one of the jewels in Bristol's crown.

"I had the opportunity to move away a few years ago but I didn't want to leave and when I do I always find myself coming back because it is so peaceful."

Crow Lane shops have been famous recently for all the wrong reasons but shop owners there say the problems have gone since the police arrived.

Maria Reeves, 44, of Henbury Pet and Garden Supplies, said: "There is a very nice atmosphere in Crow Lane and it's a nice community where everybody knows everybody else.

"I can honestly say hand on heart there have not been any problems here for months."

Pound Shop worker Sue Lazarides, 52, said: "There are a lot of elderly people in Henbury and it's great that they come and chat to us – we may be the only people they see during the day.

"Henbury is very much somewhere where you feel part of something because of the community spirit . There is a real buzz around these shops."

Henbury's community spirit is something Women's Institute chair Jo Lambert knows all about.

The 73-year-old from Windmill Lane said: "I have been in Henbury since 1971 and it's a lovely place to live. We have a thriving Women's Institute, the village hall is used a lot, an annual flower show, an art show and people in the community are very close.

"When ever I go away I always look forward to coming back home where I belong."

Chairman of Henbury Conservation Society Tim Parkinson, 70, from Rectory Gardens added: "There is an awful lot of history and magnificent buildings in Henbury and of course the wonderful Blaise estate.

"Then there is the conservation area in Henbury which is very much the hidden jewel of the area, along with Blaise Hamlet, but these historical sights hold little interest for youngsters.

"In fact very little has been done to provide for the youngsters in the area and this is our great challenge."