At their meeting on Wednesday (10.10.07) evening, Councillors heard that following a study carried out as part of the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI), £50,000 worth of funding has been allocated to improve the business areas around Lowmoor Road and Southwell Lane.

An application for a further £50,000 in match funding has been made to the Alliance SSP.

Councillors heard that surveys which have been carried out in the areas have revealed a need for lighting enhancement, hard and soft landscaping improvements and improving gateways with signage.

A response from the ASSP on the grant application is expected in October with the intention of commencing and completing the scheme before March 2008.

Members were assured that a reduced scheme funded by LEGI can be implemented should the ASSP funding not be forthcoming.

Cabinet agreed to note the scheme and to reflect the expected income in the Council’s Capital Programme.

Andrew Smith Head of Community and Economic Promotion commented that:

“the Council is committed to supporting its local businesses and this project is targeted at those business areas that would benefit from improvement to deal with poor quality environments and reduce crime.”