Public asked for views on regenerating town estates
SUBWAYS in a Runcorn neighbourhood could be blocked up as part of a massive £20m regeneration programme after more than 200 residents gave their views on how they want the cash to be spent
Closing the underpasses was one of the projects requested by members of the public of Palacefields and Hallwood Park after housing association Riverside launched its consultation
over the funding.
So far, 220 residents have taken part in a survey, asking for the subways to be closed, more job opportunities, more to be done to tackle fly-tipping and more dog poo bins to be provided.
Runcorn’s subways were one of the features of the urban landscape to raise eyebrows among design consultants invited on a walkabout of the area in 2017 with one visitor questioning why there was not better street-level access.
Police officers have also linked the town’s underpasses to difficulties in dealing with issues such as nuisance motorbikes.
In April, Riverside launched a £50,000 funding pot which the housing association said attracted a huge response from voluntary organisations and charity groups, who were invited to bid for a share of cash to tackle issues such as loneliness and social isolation, set up learning programmes and reduce anti-social behaviour.
Riverside, which owns and manages more than 1,000 homes in the area, has also set up a survey to help gather residents’ thoughts and hear what matters to them. ●
Dean Butterworth, Riverside’s regional director, said: “We are delighted by the huge response from residents, which has given us an opportunity to hear what changes they would like to see on the new estates. This is a longterm project and we are in the early stages so nothing is drawn up as yet. We are committed to supporting real change to the area and it is important that residents have their say on what they would to see in the area renewal plan for the next 10 years. It is crucial that residents are part of the journey every step of the way.”
Anyone unable to attend the engagement events or needs a paper survey to be delivered and collected should email hp.pf.enquiry@riverside. org.uk or call 0345 111 0000. Complete the survey at www.riverside.org. uk/haltonlea