Town council urges residents to have their say on town centre
Monday, 9th September 2013.
Haverhill Town Council has urged town residents and shoppers to make their voices heard in Suffolk County Council’s forthcoming consultation on the future of Haverhill High Street.
The county council is holding an exhibition on Saturday, September 14, in the market square to provide an opportunity for the wider public to express their ideas and views.
Town clerk Will Austin said: “It’s really important that people make clear their ambitions for High Street at this event.
"The work the county council is doing won’t necessarily take into account past public consultations such as the town council’s survey last year, which gathered the views of 754 people.
"We certainly don’t want any lack of participation to be seen as a lack of interest locally. We know that people have strong views and I would urge residents to spare a few minutes to tell the county what they think of the High Street now, and what could be done now and in the future to improve it.
"This isn’t just about pedestrianisation, traffic and parking; it could help the bigger councils in Bury and Ipswich decide what our town centre should be like in 20 years’ time.
"I know this seems like a never-ending saga for the town, but we do need to keep making our voice heard if we are to get the town centre we need for a large and expanding population.
"Many people have said to me that they feel let down by the borough and county councils because not much has changed in the town centre and this is their chance to send that message to them direct.”
For anyone unable to attend the exhibition, an online survey is also available at www.surveymonkey.com/s/haverhilltowncentre.
“The online survey doesn’t really allow responses to cover the full range of issues affecting the High Street,” said Will, “but at least it provides one way of contributing to the debate for those who aren’t able to get to the event on 14 September.
"And for anyone who doesn’t have internet access I am happy to help out by completing it on their behalf. Just call in at the Arts Centre – but ring first to check I’m here!” Will can be contacted on 01440 712858.
The county council is also holding a workshop event involving representatives of organisations and groups in Haverhill on Wednesday, and a separate event for schools to gather the views of young people.
The county council is holding an exhibition on Saturday, September 14, in the market square to provide an opportunity for the wider public to express their ideas and views.
Town clerk Will Austin said: “It’s really important that people make clear their ambitions for High Street at this event.
"The work the county council is doing won’t necessarily take into account past public consultations such as the town council’s survey last year, which gathered the views of 754 people.
"We certainly don’t want any lack of participation to be seen as a lack of interest locally. We know that people have strong views and I would urge residents to spare a few minutes to tell the county what they think of the High Street now, and what could be done now and in the future to improve it.
"This isn’t just about pedestrianisation, traffic and parking; it could help the bigger councils in Bury and Ipswich decide what our town centre should be like in 20 years’ time.
"I know this seems like a never-ending saga for the town, but we do need to keep making our voice heard if we are to get the town centre we need for a large and expanding population.
"Many people have said to me that they feel let down by the borough and county councils because not much has changed in the town centre and this is their chance to send that message to them direct.”
For anyone unable to attend the exhibition, an online survey is also available at www.surveymonkey.com/s/haverhilltowncentre.
“The online survey doesn’t really allow responses to cover the full range of issues affecting the High Street,” said Will, “but at least it provides one way of contributing to the debate for those who aren’t able to get to the event on 14 September.
"And for anyone who doesn’t have internet access I am happy to help out by completing it on their behalf. Just call in at the Arts Centre – but ring first to check I’m here!” Will can be contacted on 01440 712858.
The county council is also holding a workshop event involving representatives of organisations and groups in Haverhill on Wednesday, and a separate event for schools to gather the views of young people.
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