All change ahead for the town’s ‘High St’ next year

ASHBOURNE doesn’t have a “High Street”. It’s a name that never got applied to any of our highways and byways. But if one had been designated as such, it’s fair to say it would probably be Lower St John Street.

But it’s looking a bit sorry for itself at the moment. Bennett’s is long gone, Graves of Ashbourne stands empty, along with a few other key shops, the former Dillon’s Cafe is far from pretty and, although there have been some welcome new businesses setting up shop, this busy thoroughfare is looking rather tired. And that’s before we mention the social distancing bollards...

Ashbourne Town Team refers to Lower St John Street as a jewel in Ashbourne’s crown. That’s a badge of honour usually given to Church

Street, but St John Street is an economic hotspot for Ashbourne, as the street that links together all the main shopping areas.

So that’s why it’s become the primary focus for the next step in Ashbourne Town Team’s project to transform the town’s fortunes.

Smart new pavements, sensible, manageable loading areas, pedestrian crossings and links between all the areas with the most footfall might seem ambitious plans, but the town team is an ambitious organisation.

It’s already delivered a website, a marketing strategy and a bold new brand, but they were just appetisers. It’s ready now for the main course.

It needs backing from the county council, but the county council is keen to find a permanent solution to the social distancing measures we still need, and they’ve now had professional volunteers doing some of the hard work for them.

Next year could see some exciting changes for Ashbourne. And it’s about time.