Contact: Chris Williams, ext 6720 email: [email protected]

Karen Walton, ext 5873 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the attached Project Appraisal for environmental and highway improvements in Swanmore centre, as part of the Country Towns Initiative and the Safer Routes to School programmes for 2005/06, at an estimated total cost of £135,000 including external funding, be approved.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports the following Aims of the Corporate Strategy:

(i) Aims 1 and 4 (Maximising Life Opportunities and Building Strong and Safe Communities) by creating the opportunity for the local community to address local environmental and traffic issues through public involvement and partnership working, and incorporating in the scheme specific measures for deterring anti-social behaviour and improving highway safety, particularly for those on the journey to school and thus providing a safe alternative to the motor vehicle for such journeys.

(ii) Aim 2 (Stewardship of the Environment) by improving an unattractive area of the centre of Swanmore and encouraging non-car journeys by improving highway safety.

(iii) Aim 3 (Achieving Economic Prosperity) by improving the appearance, setting and access to the centre's shopping parade and reinforcing a stronger sense of community focus in its vicinity.

2.2 The Country Towns Initiative carries out schemes of environmental and highway improvements in rural centres with the aim of improving quality of life and reinforcing their social and economic roles. All works are designed to demonstrate the benefits of making the best use of land and property, high quality design, long life solutions and materials, and appropriateness to the local sense of place.

2.3 Works in Swanmore centre were approved for inclusion in the 2005/06 Country Towns Initiative programme to the value of £50,000 by the former Executive Member for Environment on 15 October 2003.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Alternative approaches were considered but options for enhancement were selected which focus on achieving Country Towns Initiative and Safer Routes to School objectives, as well as responding to the aspirations of the community.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor T G Knight

730Decn/CW