Leaders take strides towards improving Winchester High Street
The Leaders of Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council have joined forces to progress the maintenance and improvement of Winchester High Street.
Cllrs Ken Thornber and George Beckett recognise the benefit of replacing the existing city centre paving, and view it as an important part of developing the centre of Winchester to meet the community needs and provide a fitting environment in this historic city.
The two councils will now work together to prepare proposals for the improvement of the High Street between Jewry Street and the Broadway, with major work programmed for 2009/2010. A website will be set up in Spring to keep people up to date with the plans.
Interim repairs will also be initiated to the High Street and surrounding roads ensuring the safety of the public, and improvements will be designed to take account of construction work for the redevelopment of Silver Hill.
Temporary works will start February on Middle Brook Street to replace the deteriorated brickwork with coloured tarmac surfacing as a short-term measure before it is addressed permanently as part of the Silver Hill development.
Leader of the County Council, Cllr Thornber, said: “I have recently had very constructive initial meetings with the City Council as we’re both very aware of the public’s dissatisfaction with the condition of Winchester’s pavements. We have discussed ways of improving this situation, and we have agreed the need to tackle the issues as soon as we’re able. Details of the proposals will be reported once further investigations and discussions have taken place.”
Leader of Winchester City Council Cllr Beckett said, “I am delighted that close working between the two authorities is leading to a scheme to deal with both the short term repairs and a long term solution suitable for our historic High Street.”
For media enquiries please contact: Charlotte Allison, Media Communications Officer (Environment) Corporate Communications Team Tel: 01962 847 666 Email: charlotte.allison2@hants.gov.uk