Each of the five town councils has been allocated nearly £92,000 to enable projects that will enhance local economies and community spaces. It demonstrates Central Bedfordshire Council’s recognition of the importance of high streets and town centres in creating vibrant local places with a strong sense of community identity and pride.
An additional £29,600 of government funding has been allocated to each of the five councils to fund various community and cultural projects. Activities include establishing a film club, telling the story of the town's heritage, and delivering events to develop the daytime and evening economy.
The five towns are Biggleswade, Flitwick, Leighton Buzzard, Dunstable, and Houghton Regis, led by their respective town councils, each of which made their bids to the council setting out the work they felt would have the most impact.
Biggleswade Town Council
Rejuvenating the heart of the town, with better walkways, new heritage and directional signs, a digital information board, and improvements to Century House public toilets.
Flitwick Town Council
The funding will contribute to transforming the former Barclays Bank building at 3 Station Road into a vibrant two-storey restaurant with an adjacent retail unit, with the aspiration to reintegrate a post office into the town.
Leighton-Linslade Town Council
Installing new benches that incorporate trees and planters along Leighton Buzzard Market Square and the High Street.
Dunstable Town Council
Water refill stations across the town, the creation of an art trail and art installation at Middle Row, improving the power supply in Grove House Gardens, solar benches in Grove House Gardens and the Square, and three solar-powered ‘living pillars’ with plants that increase biodiversity in the town.
Houghton Regis Town Council
Helping set up Houghton Regis in Bloom with planters and hanging baskets, barrier planters and a water storage bowser. A new drought garden at the junction of Parkside Drive and Park Road North will feature plants that require minimal water, ensuring sustainability during dry periods. Work will also include electrical improvements and the replacement of Christmas lights.
Councillor Walsh, Chairman of the Local Partnership Group and Central Bedfordshire Council Executive for Planning and Waste, said:
Our high streets and town centres are integral to the vitality and sustainability of the area and are places where people can shop and socialise, and where businesses can thrive. I have no doubt that these imaginative projects will greatly assist the respective town councils with their plans to improve their town centres, many of which are held in high regard by local people and visitors alike. It will be exciting to see the progress of the projects and I’m very much looking forward to visiting the towns when the projects are completed.