Whitecross rises to home zone challenge (From Warrington Guardian)

Whitecross rises to home zone challenge

WORK has begun on an ambitious project that will make Whitecross a nicer and safer place to live.

The Home Zone Challenge has started with improvements to the lighting around Sacred Heart Primary School on Selby Street.

Home Zones are residential streets, in which road space is shared between drivers and residents.

The aim of the scheme is to change the way streets are used and to improve residents' quality of life by making the areas places for people, not just traffic.

The measures include the provision of play areas, improved pedestrian facilities and a review of car parking arrangements.

In 2002, the Government granted £595,000 for the work and an additional £40,000 is coming in from the Waste Recycling Group (WREN).

Clr Pat Wright, chairman of the Whitecross Group, said: "The first tranche of this money has been allocated for improvements to the street lighting around Sacred Heart Primary School."

Approximately £120,000 will be spent on this part of the project but Clr Wright is confident that more cash will be pledged from other grant-giving bodies.

Warrington Borough Council is also trying to attract external funding to match the Government grant.

Clr Wright added: "It's going to be a big project and it's going to be very good for the area."

The improvement area includes Whitecross Road, Wellfield Street, Fox Street, Kimberly Street, Percy Street, Selby Street and Delamere Street - a total of 450 properties.

Clr Hitesh Patel said: "The improvements will make Whitecross a nicer place to live and a safer place for children to play."