About 90 people crowded into the child-care room of the YMCA to discuss a recent rash of shootings sparked by what police say is a drug war in the community.

The fighting has left one man dead. Two people suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds. The county saw four shootings in a three-day period, and police said the violence appeared to emerge from a battle between five neighbobusiness.

The purpose of the forum was to generate ideas about how police and residents can combat the violence. The event drew people from a variety of backgrounds, including police, pastors and politicians.

Chester County Sheriff Robby Benson suggested that a Christian children's camp be built on the 10-acre site where he'd planned to open a shooting range for his office.

A county zoning board denied Benson's request for the Ashford Road range Tuesday night. At the forum, the sheriff said young people who would normally turn to the streets could use the land for fishing and hiking, even hearing church services on Sundays from a rotating lineup of pastors.

Much of the forum talk centered on the need for police to develop trust with residents. Police said they need people to tell them when they see crime in their neighborhoods.

"We want your help to be our eyes and ears," said Chester Police Chief Mike Brown. "We want your input."

Brown was asked about the possibility of police getting out of their vehicles and walking the beat as a way to build a rapport with the community.

Brown said he intends to do that by acquiring a golf cart this summer. The idea is that two officers would ride through neighborhoods on the cart, increasing police visibility.

Other suggestions ranged from developing "safe houses" where kids could go when they need comfort or mentoring to the need for more community groups and forums.

One forum was held Tuesday at Trinity Fellowship Church on Saluda Street. A meeting between local church leaders and law enforcement took place during the same time as Thursday's event. A fourth forum has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at the same YMCA.

Residents hope to continue the momentum.

"I'm going to make sure that this doesn't die out," said Tammy Feaster-Hopkins, a mother who lives in the Brooklyn area of Chester.

She said she loves her neighborhood and plans to start a community group there. Forums like Thursday's should be held at least monthly, she said.

"The last time we see these faces," she said, "is not going to be tonight."