Shoppers welcome improvements to town’s car park
COUNCIL IS NOW PLANNING TO ADD CCTV CAMERAS AS PART OF CARLTON SQUARE REGENERATION
These refurbishments were carried out as part of the council’s plan to revitalise its town centres
Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth
SHOPPERS have welcomed proposals for CCTV at a town’s car park.
Gedling Borough Council has put forward plans for cameras at Carlton Square car park.
It comes as Nottinghamshire Police figures show that, from March 7 to September 6 last year, 29 incidents had been reported.
The incidents ranged from theft from shops, anti-social behaviour, drug offences and criminal damage.
Local people have backed the plans.
Jimmy Faye, 67, a landscaper from Carlton, said: “It’s not a bad area at all. In the day it is very quiet, but you’d think it’d probably be more of a problem at night.”
In planning documents the council states there had been a number of complaints regarding anti-social behaviour, and that the CCTV equipment would reduce the “fear of crime as well as helping with the detection of crime”.
David Astill, a construction worker from Mapperley, said: “I wouldn’t say it was prone to anti-social behaviour or crime at all so it’s a bit surprising, but I suppose it is more of a deterrent.
“There used to be a bottle bank near the shops that had to be removed because people were messing about with it, but there’s not a lot of trouble really.
“I wouldn’t say there was a big problem here.”
Tom Atkin, 33, who lives in Carlton and works as a painter and decorator, said: “I didn’t think there would be much crime here but there are quite a few shops so I guess more people are around.
“I park my van in here so I guess CCTV could be helpful.”
Wider improvements have been made to the shopping area’s car park.
There is a new entrance to the car park from Burton Road and a new car parking layout in the northern car park that has created more spaces.
Mr Faye was also happy with the changes made to the car park.
“It’s lot more convenient for people, as you can just drive straight in and out again,” he said. “It’s still a bit tight leaving, but there’s not a lot can be done there really.”
On the CCTV camera plans, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector, Chris Pearson, said: “I am in agreement that a camera on Carlton Square would be good, especially with the other works they are doing there.”
The car park also has a new pedestrian route to the shopping centre from Burton Road and lorries are now separated from shoppers by the creation of a dedicated service yard.
Eight electric vehicle charging points have been installed, where residents will also have access to charge their cars overnight, with no car parking charge, from 6pm until 8am. As well the recent work to the car park, the council is currently working on plans to carry out further improvements, including landscaping to the northern car park and new bollards, bins and seats.
The project is part of a wider regeneration programme for Carlton
Gedling Borough Council said that it will contribute towards one of their main priorities to revitalise town centres and create a more vibrant economy.
Most of the money for the works was provided by D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) which gave £350,000 to the project from its Local Growth Fund.
D2N2 supports the economic growth across Derbyshire, Derby, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire using UK Government and European funding.
Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth, portfolio holder for growth and regeneration, said: “It’s fantastic to see the works have been completed and they will no doubt be a welcome addition to the area for local residents who are using the shopping centre.
“These refurbishments were carried out as part of the council’s plan to revitalise its town centres, helping to bring a muchneeded boost to the local economy and encouraging residents to shop locally. We have a number of existing and new businesses here at Carlton Square and we are sure they will be pleased with the improvements and we will continue to work with the owners of the shopping precinct to find ways to support local businesses and residents.” Will Morlidge, interim chief executive of D2N2, added: “This is excellent news for Carlton Square and the surrounding area, and will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. We’re proud to support this project through our Local Growth Fund and will continue to work with partners across the region to rebuild and grow our economy.”