Archived decisions
Hampshire County Council Executive Member - Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management 21 March 2006 Environmental Improvements Initiatives 2006-08 Report of the Director of Environment |
Item 5 |
Contact: Linda Tartaglia-Kershaw, ext 6815
email: [email protected]
1. Summary
1.1 The Regeneration of Older Urban Areas Initiative (ROUA), Country Towns Initiative (CTI) and Hampshire Villages Initiative (HVI) are established environmental improvement programmes. Over the years they have brought significant benefits to raise the quality of life for Hampshire communities. The aims and objectives of these programmes are to raise the quality of life of all who live, work and visit Hampshire, demonstrating the benefits of making the best of high quality design, life long solutions and materials, and appropriateness to the local sense of place.
1.2 This report sets out proposed programmes for ROUA, CTI and HVI for the period 2006-08, subject to the availability of finance to meet the proposed two year programme costs as follows:
ROUA Initiative £1,018,000
Country Towns Initiative £ 536,000
Hampshire Villages Initiative £ 145,000.
Approval of the programmes will provide further evidence of the County Council's commitment to individual projects, enabling partners to progress their decision making processes and for feasibility work to commence. However, final approval to the projects will be subject to presentation of individual Project Appraisals as schemes develop.
2. Introduction
2.1 The three environmental improvement initiatives all have rolling programmes. This provides for forward planning and demonstrates a degree of commitment that is important in securing partnership working and future funding from outside sources. It also recognises the long lead-in times which complex schemes of this nature require. Both the CTI and the HVI have approved programmes for 2004-06. These were approved by the former Executive Member for Environment on 15 October 2003, 13 July 2004 and 7 December 2004 respectively. The ROUA 2005-06 Programme was approved by the former Executive Member for Environment on 19 April 2005. That meeting also noted a proposed outline pool of possible ROUA projects for 2006-08 for further consideration at a future meeting. These have been included in the proposed ROUA Initiative Programme set out in Appendix 1A, Table One.
2.2 Each programme is unique in the way schemes are initiated, developed and delivered. All of them have in common the aim of environmental enhancement, partnership working, sustainable development, emphasis on quality and local sense of place.
3. Regeneration of Older Urban Areas Initiative
3.1 ROUA responds directly to the urban renaissance agenda, which is a continuing objective for the County Council, and directly to the regeneration needs and priorities identified by County Members, District Councils and Parish Councils.
3.2 The programme is delivered in partnership with external agencies, including local authorities and the private and voluntary sector. Since it was established in 1984 the programme has delivered a broad range of schemes within public areas, but not necessarily on highways. Each project is managed to demonstrate best practice as a landmark project to raise the quality of life for all who live, work and visit urban areas.
3.3 Links to other County Council initiatives and strategies are made to achieve added value by merging environmental, economic and quality of life objectives. Contributory funding for each scheme will be sought from external partners and the Transport Capital Programme.
3.4 The proposed ROUA Initiative 2006-08 programme is set out in Appendix 1A, Table One. Because the projects are at an early stage of development and there is some uncertainty about the scope and extent of the eventual schemes, the programme sets out a budget estimate for each. These figures will be refined as individual projects are developed, funding negotiated with prospective partners and taken through the project appraisal process. This approach provides flexibility in the management of the programme and assists in utilising the available budget.
3.5 Each scheme in the programme is a District Council priority and is brought forward in partnership with them and local community groups:
(i) Brookvale, Basingstoke;
(ii) Cove, Farnborough; and
(iii) Forton Road, Gosport.
3.6 Each project in the programme has been measured against the aims and principles of the ROUA Initiative (Appendix 2) and has the support of the local County Councillor and the appropriate District Council Member. A project appraisal and detailed design for all projects will need to be approved by the appropriate Executive Member for Environment before any scheme can start on site.
4. Country Towns Initiative
4.1 This programme responds to the national agenda for reinforcing the role of rural centres set out in the Rural White Paper and reflected in national Planning Policy Statements, sub-regional policies and assessments of local need. The emphasis on high quality design and local distinctiveness takes a lead from the national agenda set out in Planning Policy Statement 1, Delivering Sustainable Development, 2005.
4.2 Partnership working with local communities and agencies is a key aspect. Priorities are identified from a number of sources following contact with local communities and include Cabinet priorities, the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) improvement plan, the local Public Service agreement (PSA) and the Hampshire Community Strategy.
4.3 The Initiative reinforces County Council strategies for crime reduction and sustainable development. It links with and gives added value to programmes initiated by parish and district councils as well as the County Council's highways and other programmes.
4.4 The Initiative works closely with the County Council's Market Towns Project which identifies opportunities for regenerating rural centres based on action plans emerging from community `health checks'. These plans are adopted locally for endorsement by local strategic partnerships. The Initiative can offer the prospect for triggering match funding from SEEDA under the Government's Rural Towns Initiative. The prospect of possible inclusion in the CTI programme has proved an incentive to communities embarking on the `health check' process.
4.5 The proposed CTI Programme for 2006-08 (set out in Appendix 1A, Table Two), subject to approval of finance, is as follows:
(i) New Milton Town Centre;
(ii) Bordon Town Centre;
(iii) Whitchurch Town Centre; and
(iv) Titchfield High Street.
A brief description of the schemes is set out in Appendix 3. The schemes fulfil the Initiative selection criteria following consultation with District Councils.
4.6 Budget figures are estimates only at this stage and will be refined as individual schemes are developed and taken through the project appraisal process.
5. Hampshire Villages Initiative
5.1 The HVI aims to reflect the local aspirations expressed in Village Design Statements, Village Plans and other Government Initiatives. It provides an opportunity to identify improvements for implementation from the emerging community strategies. Whilst the HVI may be involved in the implementation of projects identified on their own merits, it builds principally on existing projects. The priority is to add value by working in partnership, ensuring the quality and design approach reflects the unique sense of place of Hampshire's villages.
5.2 The HVI's objectives and selection criteria were approved on 7 April 2004 and are set out in Appendix 2. The schemes have been appraised against these objectives and the extent to which they support the County Council's strategic aims.
5.3 Match funding of 50% is normally required as the level of contribution from Partners, normally Parish and District Councils. Complementary funding is sometimes available from the County Council's Highways capital and maintenance programmes and the Safer Routes to School programme.
5.4 To enable suggestions from local communities of schemes that might be included within the Programme, consultations are undertaken with the Hampshire Association of Parish and Town Councils, District Councils, local County Councillors and Community Action Hampshire.
5.5 The proposed HVI 2006-08 programme is set out in Appendix 1A, Table Three. This comprises a number of key schemes to form the core programme as follows:
(i) Hook War Memorial and pond restoration;
(ii) Binsted village crossroads;
(iii) Wellow War Memorial and finger posts; and
(iv) Milford-on-Sea village centre.
Brief descriptions of the schemes are set out in Appendix 3.
5.6 The schemes are at an early stage of development and there is some uncertainty about the scope of the eventual schemes, consequently budgets are an estimate only. These figures will be refined as the individual projects are developed.
5.7 An allocation has been set aside which assists in utilising the budget to carry out a number of minor projects which will be identified during the programme period. These schemes provide the opportunity to help villages realise small scale schemes that have been identified by local communities and parishes through Village Appraisals.
6. Impact Assessments
6.1 As this report sets out proposed programmes for the three environmental improvement initiatives, an impact assessment in terms of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has not been undertaken. Impact assessments are normally reported in the Project Appraisal for each scheme during its development. Schemes within the programmes are not expected to have an adverse impact in terms of race, creed or gender.
Recommendations
1. That approval be given to fund the following environmental improvement initiatives from a locally resourced capital programme for the two year period 2006-08:
£'000s
Regeneration of Older Urban Areas Initiative 1,018
Country Towns Initiative 536
Hampshire Villages Initiative 145
2. That the programmes for the environmental initiatives for the Regeneration of Older Urban Areas, the Country Towns Initiative and the Hampshire Villages Initiative 2006-08, as set out in Appendix 1A, be approved.
3. The estimated value provisionally allocated to projects pending consideration of alternatives to achieve 2.5% efficiency savings on all projects and programmes, work with the local community and more detailed design work.
Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers | |
The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report. | |
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APPENDIX 1A
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS INITIATIVES - PROPOSED PROGRAMMES FOR 2006-08
These provisional budgets are liable to change as schemes are developed.
TABLE ONE: REGENERATION OF OLDER URBAN AREAS INITIATIVE
District Project Estimated Value
£'000s
2006-07
Basingstoke Brookvale, Basingstoke 200
Rushmoor Cove, Farnborough 275
2007-08
Gosport Forton Road, Gosport 300
Programme/Project Fees 243
and contingencies
TOTAL 1,018
TABLE TWO: COUNTRY TOWNS INITIATIVE
District Project Estimated Value
£'000s
2006-07
New Forest New Milton town centre 208
Fareham Titchfield High Street 50
2007-08
East Hampshire Bordon town centre 200
Basingstoke and Whitchurch town centre 50
Deane
Contingencies 28
TOTAL 536
TABLE THREE: HAMPSHIRE VILLAGES INITIATIVE
District Project Estimated Value
£'000s
East Hampshire Binsted - Village Crossroads 10
Hart Hook - War Memorial and pond 25
restoration
New Forest Milford-on-Sea - village green 45
enhancement
Test Valley Wellow - War Memorial and 10
finger posts
Minor projects 55
TOTAL 145
APPENDIX 2
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMES
REGENERATION OF OLDER URBAN AREAS INITIATIVE
Background
Established in 1984, the ROUA programme is an ongoing Hampshire County Council led initiative that responds directly to the regeneration needs and priorities identified by County Members.
The programme currently works in partnership with the following district councils: Basingstoke and Deane; Eastleigh; Fareham; Gosport; Hart; Havant; New Forest and Rushmoor.
The ROUA programme responds directly to the urban renaissance agenda and is a continuing objective for the County Council.
Philosophy and Principles
Hampshire County Council is a signatory to the Aalborg Commitments. The Aalborg Commitments provide European local governments with a common vision of cities and towns that are inclusive, prosperous, creative and sustainable, and that provide a good quality of life for all citizens and enable their participation in all aspects of urban life.
The Regeneration of Older Urban Areas Initiative is part of the County Council's response to the Aalborg Commitments. The ROUA Initiative values local distinctiveness, promotes the best use of existing assets, represents the most effective long term commitment to urban renaissance, and provides value for money by investing in the following principles:
(i) making the best use of land and property;
(ii) high quality design;
(iii) long life solutions and materials; and
(iv) appropriateness to the local sense of place.
Aim
To improve the quality of life of all those living, working and visiting our urban areas by making the best use of our cities, towns and suburbs; and providing a consistent approach from strategic planning to detailed design.
Objectives
1. To provide long term planning, design and management guidance through urban design frameworks for the redevelopment of older urban areas.
2. To set out detailed master plans promoting an integrated approach to social, economic and environmental issues.
3. To create bespoke, high quality solutions that celebrate local distinctiveness.
Criteria
1. Projects will be in older urban areas and demonstrate commitment to the programme's aim and objectives.
2. Projects will provide a consistent approach from strategic planning to detailed design.
3. Projects will demonstrate commitment to the programme's principles.
4. Projects will be based on assets (land and buildings) representing stability, continuity, long term worth and the best use of public money.
5. Projects will utilise traditional and natural materials, and craftsmanship, combined with a contemporary and innovative approach.
6. Projects will have recognisable value as a 'landmark scheme' demonstrating the advantages of good practice and delivering clear benefits for the public.
7. Projects will flow from the strategic context by supporting County Council initiatives and strategies including:
(i) the Corporate Strategy;
(ii) Hampshire County Council's High Priorities 2003/04;
(iii) PSA targets;
(iv) Urban Living Strategy;
(v) Sustainable Development Strategy;
(vi) Local Strategic Partnerships; and
(vii) Local Transport Plan.
8. Projects will be embedded in local policy, strategies and initiatives, eg Community Plan and Local Development Frameworks, and will be consistent with, or at least promote, a properly established and adopted long term vision.
9. Projects will engage the local community and show the capacity for benefits to spread to the surrounding environment.
10. Projects will work across sectors and disciplines and will encourage/promote partnership working across these areas.
11. Projects will secure the commitment of other parties to contribute to achievement of the objectives.
12. Projects will make the best use of available delivery mechanisms, tap into new and alternative sources of support, and influence the direction of revenue and capital expenditure.
13. Projects undertaken in partnership with the district council will attract their active commitment to properly resource the project through funding contributions and the support of appropriate staff resources.
14. Projects will deliver demonstrable economic, social and environmental benefits delivered in a comprehensive and coordinated way.
15. To protect the capital investment, the following will be an integral part of project plans: long-term commitment to maintain, manage, sustain and develop the investment; and planning to secure appropriate resources for future management.
HAMPSHIRE COUNTRY TOWNS INITIATIVE
1. The Country Towns Initiative programme was set up in 1990 to carry out schemes of environmental enhancement in rural towns. The main aim is to improve the commercial and social attractiveness of rural towns by carrying out environmental enhancements, improving highway safety and making their centres more economically and socially active.
2. The programme reflects Government and County Council corporate strategies towards conservation, economic regeneration and the creation of sustainable, small and rural centres. It acts as a catalyst to inspire further investment in the locality by demonstrating a climate of confidence. The programme forms part of the Council's response to the Aalborg Commitments for sustainable development and applies the objectives of the Council's Corporate Strategy, set out in paragraph 2.2 of the decision sheet.
Links to Other County Council Programmes
3. The Initiative carries out works principally within public streets, so it is inevitable that the programme links closely with the County Council's Highways Capital and Maintenance Programmes. Added value is achieved by merging highways and environmental design objectives.
4. The programme links specifically to the following County Council Initiatives:
(i) Corporate Strategy and High Priorities 2003/04;
(ii) Sustainable Development Strategy;
(iii) Crime Reduction Strategy;
(iv) Hampshire County Structure Plan;
(v) Local Transport Plan;
(vi) Market Towns Programme; and
(vii) Local Strategic Partnerships.
Selection Criteria
5. The selection guidelines were approved by the former Executive Member for Environment on 15 October 2003. They are to target opportunities in rural towns which:
(i) have historic or environmental importance and serve a substantial local, rural catchment;
(ii) exhibit significant environmental problems/opportunities which have been identified, for example in Local Plans, studies or `health checks';
(iii) where highways works are programmed and additional funding sources have been identified;
(iv) where the scheme ties in with a wider appraisal of needs of the locality, eg a town centre or regeneration initiative; and
(v) where the formation of partnerships, eg with local authorities, parish/town councils, can be expected and where there is broad public support.
6. The Initiative focuses on the main areas of activity, normally the historic core, where the beneficial impact and ability to enhance the commercial and social vitality of the town is greatest. It concentrates on land owned by public authorities, usually the highway and highway related land, although some work on private land may also be carried out.
Emphasis on Quality
7. The Initiative leads by example, aiming for high standards of workmanship and materials, and stressing appropriateness, quality and long life. A number of national and local awards have been received. Works are mainly (not exclusively) on public land or highways and include:
(i) landscape planting and paving, often associated with remodelling the highway, traffic calming/safety works and pedestrian priority;
(ii) creating opportunities for developing street activities, markets, outdoor eating, etc as part of a strategy for the economic and social development in the town;
(iii) removing unsightly street clutter, for example overhead wires and redundant signs;
(iv) creating attractive, new features, for example seating areas, community spaces, works of public art; and
(v) repairing and improving boundaries and public areas in private ownership.
8. As a general rule, schemes will:
(i) encourage street activity during both day and evening, including enhanced street lighting for highways safety and personal security;
(ii) shift the emphasis to beyond `standard' treatments so far as resources permit, using materials only which enhance the street scene, including the use of traditional materials; and
(iii) use heavier than normal landscape planting to create an immediate impact, ensure that all street furniture is attractive and well coordinated and, where possible, promote opportunities for public art.
HAMPSHIRE VILLAGES INITIATIVE
Background
The Hampshire Villages Initiative was set up to carry out schemes of environmental enhancement in Hampshire's villages. In recent years countryside issues have increasingly become a focus for the Government and other organisations and the Hampshire Villages Initiative is in line with Hampshire County Council's commitment to maintain and extend investment in the rural community.
Aims and Objectives
1. The Initiative, with its emphasis on partnership working to address local environmental and traffic safety issues through schemes which enhance the distinctiveness and quality of Hampshire's villages, brings into focus the Council corporate aims set out in paragraph 2.2 of the decision sheet.
2. Within the remit of these strategic aims a number of specific objectives have been formulated to establish guidelines for future projects. The Hampshire Villages Initiative will:
(i) Facilitate schemes of enhancement which are of the highest standard
A pre-requisite of any project undertaken by the Hampshire Villages Initiative is that it should be of a high standard of design. This objective applies to the whole project and encompasses the overall design through to the choice of materials.
(ii) Impact on the public domain
This does not imply that projects necessarily have to be carried out on land within public ownership, but they must contribute to the overall scene within a village and be of benefit to the community at large.
(iii) Reflect the wishes of the local community
All projects should reflect the wishes of the local community, expressed through the Parish Council or other local organisations, or be the subject of a consultation exercise undertaken expressly to elicit a response to a particular scheme.
(iv) Reflect local character
Each village has its own unique sense of place which may well be defined in a Village Design Statement. Schemes must reflect this character through, for example, design solutions, the choice of materials, the use of plants and the selection of street furniture.
Selection Criteria
3. Within the four overall objectives, schemes to be included within the programme should be within the public domain and seek to achieve the following:
(i) create a sense of identity and place, including on arrival at the village;
(ii) remedy an existing eyesore;
(iii) have an individual treatment based on the distinctiveness of each village;
(iv) have immediate and significant impact; and
(v) reduce street clutter.
4. Priority will be given to schemes which:
(i) inspire a continuing programme of improvement beyond the immediate project;
(ii) link and add value to the existing highway or other environmental schemes;
(iii) offer the likelihood of attracting additional funding from other public and private sources; and
(iv) enjoy a high level of local support.
Links to Other Programmes
5. The Initiative will tie in with local aspirations expressed through parish and district councils, local councillors or identified in Parish Plans, Village Design Statements and other Government Initiatives including the emerging community strategies. While the Hampshire Villages Initiative may be involved in the implementation of projects identified on their own merits it is anticipated that the Initiative will principally build on and add value to existing programmes, including those initiated by local and parish councils as well as the County Council's own Highways Capital and Maintenance Programmes and the Safer Routes to School Programme.
Emphasis on Quality
6. The Initiative will aim for high standards of workmanship and ensure that landscape planting, paving and street furniture with which the Initiative is likely to be involved reflect the quality and appropriateness reflective of the unique sense of place of Hampshire Villages. To this end the emphasis will be on:
(i) the use of heavier than normal landscape planting to create an immediate impact;
(ii) the use of materials which exceed `standard' treatments;
(iii) the inclusion of street lighting and street furniture which is attractive and well coordinated; and
(iv) the promotion of opportunities, where possible, of public art.
APPENDIX 3
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS INITIATIVES PROPOSED 2006-08 PROGRAMME - SCHEME DESCRIPTIONS
1. Regeneration of Older Urban Areas Initiative
(i) Brookvale, Basingstoke - Improvement to setting of conservation area including Basingstoke College of Technology, landmark neighbourhood shopping area and locally important routes into the town centre.
(ii) Cove, Farnborough - Improvement to core of one of Farnborough's original urban villages; improving setting for neighbourhood shopping area and community facilities; enhancing the entrance route into Farnborough town centre; and supporting measures to tackle skills base, education, and quality of life.
(iii) Forton Road, Gosport - Regeneration of the historic centre of Forton; enhancing the setting of nationally and locally significant buildings; and retail and business activity and community facilities along the strategically important A32 corridor.
2 Country Towns Initiative
(i) New Milton Town Centre
Landscape planting, seating, lighting, art features, facilities for a street market and street remodelling in Station Road north of the town's main shopping street, focusing on Mallard Court, are key objectives to regenerate the town centre. This follows approval of a community action plan prepared under the County Council's Market Towns and `health check' programme. A two stage consultants study of the centre has also been commissioned by the District Council on behalf of the New Milton Town Partnership, with funding from the County Council's highways budget. The first stage report forms the blueprint for urgent footway repaving works in Station Road north, now substantially completed, together with future environmental improvements in Station Road. A second stage report will focus in more detail on remaining works in Station Road south, planned for post 2006-08. The CTI works would complete the scheme for Station Road north and create an important focal, civic space around Mallard Court for outdoor events, street market and sitting out, as well as improving pedestrian links to nearby car parks and reducing traffic speeds in Station Road.
The New Milton Town Partnership has secured SEEDA match funding to help implement these works and funds for the highways elements are also included in the highways capital programme for 2006-07.
(ii) Bordon Town Centre
Environmental improvements in the town centre are part of a package of measures to promote the commercial and social vitality of the centre, following a community partnership `health check' and action plan. A key local aspiration is to improve the local environment and unify the community and commercial facilities in the Forest Centre. This could include an outdoor events arena and facilities for a weekly market and accords with CTI objectives. The scheme would also consider buses and opportunities for pedestrian access, signing, traffic calming and cycling.
A community event, in which the County Council participated, has established strong community support. Some District Council funding is approved and a private sector contribution is also expected. Consultants have been appointed to carry out feasibility design work and preliminary costs to assist submission of a SEEDA match funding bid as part of the Council's Market Towns Programme which has been successful. Funding for future highways elements of the scheme is included in the highways capital programme for 2007-08.
(iii) Whitchurch Town Centre
Improvements to regenerate the historic centre have been identified and approved in the recent community `health check' action plan. These have been endorsed by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and the local strategic partnership. A bid to SEEDA is proposed for submission next year for works in 2007-08. In addition, Borough Council funding from its Pride of Place Partnership Initiative (POPPI) has been approved for 2007-08. Inclusion in the CTI programme would therefore trigger significant resources to extend the popular improvement works in the centre carried out by this programme in 1993. Funds for the highways elements are included in the highways capital programme for 2007-08. The scheme would include improving the street scene, upgrading of pedestrian links, reducing the street clutter, resurfacing, lighting and seating aimed at improving the appearance and economy of this historic centre.
(iv) Titchfield High Street
Improvements to the historic Square, High Street and alleys have been identified by Fareham Borough Council following publication of its Conservation Area Assessment. This would include resurfacing, kerbing lighting and fencing in appropriate materials. Match funding from the Borough has been approved subject to the scheme being included in the CTI programme. Funding toward highways elements are included in the highways capital programme for 2006-07. The scheme would link to earlier CTI works carried out in South Street.
3 Hampshire Villages Initiative
(i) Hook - War Memorial and Pond Restoration
The Parish Council has identified two schemes within close proximity of each other as part of the Parish Plan process. The first is to improve the fabric of the War Memorial and redesign its immediate setting to provide access for all members of the community. The second project includes the extension of a winter pond and environmental improvements to the surrounding area, including interpretation. The Parish Council has offered a significant contribution and highways maintenance funding will be sought to contribute towards improving access from the local footpath to the War Memorial.
(ii) Binsted - Village Crossroads
The Parish Council wishes to carry out environmental improvements in the vicinity of the village crossroads. The site is close to the local school and acts as a focus for parents collecting children. It is anticipated that the scheme will include seating, planting, a new traditional finger post, bus shelter renovation and enhancement to the verges to discourage overrunning by vehicles. It will create an appropriate entrance to the village and address traffic speed and parking in the vicinity of the crossroads. The scheme has been identified by the local community and is supported by the local community group which has been fund raising for the project.
(iii) Wellow - War Memorial and Finger Posts
The Parish Council has requested support to address current problems in the vicinity of the War Memorial. It is proposed to relocate the War Memorial to improve access for everyone and improve the quality of its setting. The proposal includes replacing the modern village signs with traditional cast-iron style finger post signs. This will reinforce the local sense of place and enhance an important local feature in the village.
(iv) Milford-on-Sea - Village Centre
The Parish Council has asked for support for three projects which together will create a significant improvement to the quality of the village environment. The first is a "green-bunding" project to soften the entrance to the village centre. At present there is a low-level rusting pole and concrete arrangement which separates the footpath from the village pond as residents and visitors approach the village. It would like to replace the present railing solution with a traditional and locally distinctive low green bund. In addition, in the Village Design statement the County Council has identified a community aspiration to improve links between the shops on the south side of the High Street and those located on the village green, and address potential conflicts between parked cars and pedestrians. Finally, local residents wish to remove visually detracting overhead cables in the village centre and in the surrounding residential roads, for which support is also requested. The final project will require a feasibility study to investigate the costs and availability of other partnership funding for the cable removal.