A THREE year campaign to fix Droitwich Town Centre’s ‘dilapidated’ roads, pavements and drains has finally been brought to an end with council chiefs stumping up £500,000 for the work.
The welcome cash injection, which was decided at a Worcestershire County Council budget meeting on Friday (January 29), comes after a consultation with residents in 2013 where they expressed concerns for the state of the High Street. Councillors then tirelessly campaigned to keep potential investments in the town at the forefront of council chief’s minds.
The half-a-million pound boost is intended to improve the heart of the town to make it more appealing for businesses, as well as shoppers, tourists and encourage more people to use the High Street.
Coun Pam Davey, who was one of the voices pleading for the extra cash for the improvement work, said she was delighted by the news and now hopes the work will begin as soon as possible.
“It is now three years since Worcestershire County Council identified our High Street as being in need of enhancement.
“In 2013 we started consultation with residents who gave a good indication of what was required.
“It also showed the depth of concern people in the Spa had regarding the dilapidated state of this important part of our town.
“Now we can talk about the details with interested stakeholders, with a view to an early start.
“These are difficult times for local government finance so I am particularly pleased that we have been included in what is a tight budget.”
Wychavon District and Droitwich Town Councillor Tom Noyes described the announcement as ‘fantastic news for Droitwich’.
“This is absolutely brilliant news for the town.
“We have waited for the regeneration of our High Street for far too long.
“Traders and business owners in Droitwich will be over the moon about this investment – it is wonderful news.”
The funds are being awarded as part of the county council’s £12million pot of cash earmarked for town centre improvements.
Speaking at the unveiling of the plans, new Worcestershire County Council leader Coun Simon
Geraghty said: “One of things I’m very keen to see is to make sure that our city and town centres continue to be improved.
“They are also social spaces as well – people are going there to spend their social time and to meet other people to do business.”
Members also approved to put £12million into revitalising the county’s roads.
Coun John Smith, the council’s Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways said: “Pending council approval, this investment will help to provide an excellent infrastructure for businesses and visitors, and the best possible environment for people who work and live in Droitwich.”
The funds are expected to be given final confirmation at a full council meeting next Thursday (February 11) at County Hall, in Worcester.
