NEWS RELEASES
Billingshurst High Street improvements unveiled
14th December 2006
LONG awaited improvements to Billingshurst High Street will be unveiled at the end of this week (16 December).
The works, which cost £400,000 and started on 26 June, have been undertaken by Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council whilst being paid for fully through developer contributions.
Visitors to Billingshurst High Street should be immediately able to experience a more pedestrian friendly area. The High Street between East Street and Jengers Mead has been made more accommodating for shoppers by widening the footways in new block paving and installing new street furniture and street lighting.
Added to this, new mini-roundabouts at East Street and Jengers Mead have helped the creation of a 20mph zone which will reinforce the overall quality environment that has been created.
Outside Martins Newsagents there is an area of decorative paving with new seating, a bus shelter and spherical bollards to add interest and create a focal point in the High Street where people can meet.
The newly installed ornate street lights are unique in style to Billingshurst and the blue colour of the columns and other street furniture helps create a quality street scene complimentary to the shop fronts and other buildings.
Speaking of the new look High Street, Cllr David Jenkins, Cabinet Member for Strategic Land Use Planning at Horsham District Council, said:
“At the request of the local community, the District Council has promoted this joint initiative which is in partnership with West Sussex County Council. The High Street enhancements are the final phase of traffic calming in the village that have followed the opening of the Billingshurst Bypass in September 1999.
“The scheme has been put in place following an extensive consultation exercise including public exhibitions held in both 2000 and 2004. At the 2004 exhibition, 94% of respondents who returned questionnaires felt the proposals enhanced the general aspect of the High Street.
“The adoption of good design practice and attention to detail has resulted in an enhanced High Street to rival others which should help increase footfall and improve trading conditions.
“The contractor has done exceptionally well to manage the works and maintain pedestrian and vehicle access to premises and the Council would like to thank all traders and everyone else for their co-operation during this period.”
Lieutenant Colonel Tex Pemberton, West Sussex Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport who will be at the opening, said:
"I am delighted that this work has been completed before Christmas, and am sure that the new pedestrian friendly environment will benefit not only residents and visitors but the general economy of the town.
"The scheme demonstrates clearly what can be achieved by partnership working."
Ends
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk