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Public is divided over town plans
Moves to improve public spaces and create a cafe culture in Wellingborough have been met with mixed reactions.
Wellingborough Council held a public consultation on its proposals for improvements to the open spaces in Market Street, Gloucester Place and Croyland Gardens.
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The 1.7m project includes a scheme to reduce traffic and makes pedestrians a priority through Gloucester Place and Market Street.
Councillors will discuss plans to create al-fresco dining spaces, a new play area and open air performance space in Croyland Gardens tomorrow.
Their officers have recommended that the masterplan is approved and that work should start on a more detailed design in preparation for construction in late autumn.
The report states: "Public response to the plans has been mixed, with many concerned at the expenditure on public realm at a time of economic downturn. However, equally response has been positive, supporting the need for improvements to the town centre and agreeing with the proposals. The concerns raised are issues that will be considered once a detailed design of the scheme is developed."
Comments from the public included one which said: "I welcome the new proposals – anything to improve the demise of this jaded town is always a move in the right direction."
However, David Coles, of Coles Architects, commented: "The proposed visuals suggest no aspiration to see shop fronts improved."
Others said that more restrictions to traffic will lose more trade to the town centre while another said: "The idea of al-fresco eating and drinking in Gloucester Place is very funny."
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Weather for Kettering
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
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