Full steam ahead for improvements (From Warrington Guardian)

Full steam ahead for improvements

AN ambitious £1million improvement scheme in Latchford, which promises to make the neighbourhood a more pleasant place to live and work, has entered its next phase.

The third stage of improvements in the Latchford Renewal Area scheme has started in St Mary's Street and Slater Street.

Improvements include white street lighting, to replace traditional yellow lighting, additional parking spaces and the planting of new trees and shrubbery.

Alan Stephenson, strategic director of environment and regeneration at the borough council, said: "These works, when completed, should significantly improve the environment within Latchford, making it a really pleasant neighbourhood in which to live and work."

Clr Hans Mundry, executive board member for housing and urban renewal, added: "It's wonderful to see such a wide range of improvements taking place.

"We have taken the needs of the residents into consideration and the improvements being made will result in better parking and improved lighting and environment for all."

Phase one of the environmental works was completed in April 2002 and involved an area-wide traffic calming scheme and the introduction of 20mph speed zones.

The second phase of works, on Cumberland Street and Oldham Street, was completed in December.

It introduced better parking to the streets, shrubs and a one-way system.

The aim was to reduce vehicle speed and deter short-cutting, while also improving the appearance of the area.

The next phase of the improvements, proposed to take place on Shrewsbury Street, is currently being discussed with residents.