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

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Project Appraisal for environmental and highways improvements in Titchfield Square and the lane leading to the Jubilee Surgery, Titchfield, as part of the Country Towns Initiative and Local Transport Plan for 2006/07, at an estimated cost of £183,000 including some external funding, be approved.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision will:

(i) improve pedestrian safety, including improved footways and street lighting to enhance the sense of personal security and help redress the balance between pedestrians and motor vehicles;

(ii) reinforce a stronger sense of community focus in the centre and the ability of the town centre to offer an attractive and competitive shopping environment for the benefit of the community at large; and

(iii) improve the appearance of the town centre conservation area, remedying poor quality footways and using highest standards of materials.

2.2 The Country Towns Initiative carries out schemes of environmental and highways 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 Titchfield to the value of £50,000 were approved by the former Executive Member for Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management on 18 January 2006 for inclusion in the Country Towns Initiative, and on 21 March 2006 to the extent of £50,000 for inclusion in the Integrated Transport Capital Programme.

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 Local Transport Plan 2 objectives as well as responding to the aspirations of the community.

3.2 The option to do nothing was rejected on the grounds that this would fail to remedy known defects and the opportunity might be missed to secure significant match funding from Fareham Borough Council.

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

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - None.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - None.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor M J Kendal

Executive Member for Environment

1047Decn/CW