Stirchley public space set for spring spruce up
Mis-matched paving, worn fencing and signs as well as uneven paving are all being replaced as part of a ‘spruce up’ of a central public space in Stirchley.
Residents living in Churncote Stirchley, have been working with parish councillors to bring together improvements that will make the area more inviting for visitors to the shops and a place where children can play with bright, engaging floor markings – the kinds usually seen in playgrounds.
Councillor Lee Carter, (Labour) cabinet member for neighbourhood services, regeneration and the high street said: “Councillors regularly take to the streets to talk to people about how they feel about the areas in which they live.
“This space was bought to our attention as in need of some ‘TLC’, although it has been maintained over the years the work has been ad-hoc, and it was time to look at the area as a whole and spruce it up as a public space that is more inviting.
New work for the area includes new paving that helps protect the root system of the central tree that’s over 100 years old and safer for people with mobility needs.
This project is funding through ‘Pride in Our Community’, a project that works with local people to create a better borough for everyone. The council is responsible for 626 miles of road, 743 miles of paths and pavements, 132 miles of cycle ways, 23,000 streetlights and around 400 acres of parks and green spaces plus 15 million trees.
Over the next two years, £35 million is being invested on top of the £50m already invested between 2018 and 2022, in improving our borough and covering road safety schemes around schools, the creation of another 200 residential parking spaces in local neighbourhoods, road and footpath improvements, drainage works as well as work on highways structures such as bridges.
The council is also investing in parks and green spaces as well as funding community projects and initiative to boost local neighbourhoods and high streets.
All of the projects undertaken were in response to issues raised by residents, elected councillors and local town and parish councils or as part of the council’s rolling maintenance work.
Pictured left to right: Councillors Chris Turley & Nathan England with design options for the new public space play areas.
