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Ely is one of the largest housing estates in Europe. The size of a town, it has few shops or services and is an expensive bus ride from the centre of Cardiff . This low rise sprawl was established in the 1920's and has grown since in size and reputation. It suffers more than most from a wide range of modern urban complaints and in the past has been seen as a dumping ground for "problem" families. Poverty and unemployment have been common through more than three generations so for researchers looking to find a full spectrum of social problems and criminal activities, it is fertile ground. However there are a great many members of the community with positive attitudes to improving conditions for themselves and other residents who feel angry about the negative stereotyping of the area.

Young people seeking employment use any other address than Ely on the job application forms. "ELY BOYS KILL" had to be removed from a wall opposite a phone box where a man was beaten to death after he intervened to stop youngsters vandalising it.

In the early nineties riots and civil disturbances shook the area and many feel that the root causes have not been addressed. More recently a fascist rally or "Festival ?" was planned for the estate but the police were able to prevent it happening at the last minute. Car crime by under age drivers, muggings and a lack of respect for the elderly by gangs of young people have been identified as problems for the older residents on the estate. Since the planning of the intergenerational project there have been a some pedestrians fatalities caused by out of control cars stolen by people as young as 14. It may be of interest to note that in over 20 years as a touring puppet company in places as varied as the deserts of Sudan, Kenyan shanty towns, Hong Kong refugee camps and the streets of Vietnam the only place in the whole world where Small World Theatre have had a puppet stolen in mid performance was on Grand Avenue, Ely in the early eighties.

During the rehearsals for the Generation X performances Les and Doreen recounted stories of what Ely was like from the 1920's and the younger participants responded with "it's not fair, there was more happening in Ely then". Discussions with three generations revealed that local people see a decline in the area.

With problems such as high unemploymnt, intergenerational tension, failing schools, violent gangs, and high levels of theft many residents are looking for answers. There is a need for creative solutions to secure any reasonable future for the estate.