PUBLIC consultation regarding the Maristow Street enhancement scheme begins in July.
Westbury residents, businesses and shoppers are being encouraged to have their say on improvements to Maristow Street and Edward Street when highways experts hold a mobile exhibition on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th July.
The plans will be in a Wiltshire Council ‘campaign van’adjacent to Westbury Library in Edward Street between 9.00am and 3.00pm each day.
Mayor of Westbury cllr Sue Ezra urged the community to attend and get involved at the early planning stages.
She said, “I am excited that the plans are under way and I hope that people will participate in the consultation. This is people’s chance to have their say. They need to attend the public consultations so that their views can be voiced.”
Cllr Ezra said that not enough people had made use of the consultation phases before the Market Place renovations and she hoped for a more enthusiastic response for the second phase.
She warned, “Once the job has been done it is too late to alter anything, so they do need to make their voice heard.”
The enhancement scheme, which includes new footway paving, street furniture and lighting, could see work starting early next year and is the latest implementation if the Vision for Westbury planning document.
Wiltshire Council says that the scheme should improve the town centre environment in the market town by creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment and improve both its attractiveness and economic viability.
Helen Powdrill, Wiltshire Council’s principal highway engineer said, “As part of the Vision for Westbury, we would like to improve Maristow Street and Edward Street for shoppers, residents and businesses alike.
“We are embarking on a comprehensive consultation process to ensure that what we do has been designed with the help of local people and businesses.
“We will take the opportunity during the consultation to talk to local businesses to get their views on the proposals, especially in view of the current economic climate.”
All of the materials for the works will be specially selected to fit in with past and future enhancement works in the town centre.
The project will be funded by local transport plan money secured from Government for this type of project.
For more information, people are encouraged to visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk or phone the council’s highways line, CLARENCE, on 0800 232323.
