£500,000 boost for ‘tired’ town centre
Wednesday 27th January 2010, 6:00PM GMT.
A “tired” looking Shropshire town centre is set to get a cash injection of £500,000 in an attempt to turn its fortunes around.
Residents and business owners in Oakengates, Telford, were jubilant after a special meeting last night at which council chiefs promised to fork out the cash and transform the town. At the packed meeting in Oakengates United Church borough council bosses unveiled plans to set up a regeneration partnership to re-design the town.
The council wants representatives from the public and groups in the town to sit on the newly-formed Oakengates Town Partnership in an attempt to hash out a plan to turn the town around.
Making the presentation was David Orr, urban designer with Telford & Wrekin Council.
He said plans included revamping everything inside the ring road surrounding Oakengates.
He said: “Market Street is looking a bit tired and its a bit full of parking. Where Oxford Road and Market Street meets appears to be the centre of the town but when I saw it I thought what has happened to it and where has everyone gone. There are a lot of possibilities here.”
Council leader, Councillor Andrew Eade, said: “There was a ring around Oakengates and it was being strangled.
“There’s no way we could see the borough towns go back to the way they were and now its time for Oakengates. Aside from the lump sum, there will be a further £81,000 on hand for partnership members to apply for grants.”
Councillor Sean Kelly, ward member for Oakengates, said: “This is a very exciting time for Oakengates and we will deliver on this. But without the support of residents and businesses we will not succeed.”
The committee is already made up of Jim Tranter, treasurer, from Tranter Lowe Accountants and Nick Hughes, secretary, from Tempertons, both in Oakengates.
Councillor Eric Carter, cabinet member for regeneration, will act as an interim chairman until someone fills the role.
More than 60 residents turned out to the meeting. Anyone who wants to join the regeneration partnership should contact Telford & Wrekin Council.
By Jason Lavan
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brilliant, welcome news, but i fear we need another nought on it really
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As a family we used the numerous food outlets in Oakengates several times each week. Unfortunately, we now avoid using Oakengates due to the threatening atmosphere. An example occurred on Sunday when I needed some grocery items. I got out of my car and was immediately greeted by an aggressive intoxicated man asking if he could have 40p. There was the usual parade of modified cars (exhaust cut in half) speeding down the High Street with music thumping. I then tried to use the cash machine, which was surrounded by teenagers who were swearing and acting aggressively. I got back in my car and went elsewhere. And for the record, I’m a 6 foot, 45 old male and certainly no shrinking violet. The revamp initiative must have police backing if it is to succeed.
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I wonder if this money coming from central government.
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