In March 2005 the Executive Member for Environment and Housing Strategy gave approval for the production of action plans for Farnworth, Horwich, Little Lever and Westhoughton.
According to documentation I have, in the case of Little Lever, the purpose of this was two-fold.
1.To develop and implement an action plan that enhances the vitality and viability of the town centre
2.To develop and deliver action through partnership
The following is stated in this document
Little Lever town centre environment is dominated by the 1960s precinct; and following discussions with local Ward Members a decision was taken to concentrate on improving the environment and building the partnerships required to see this happen. As a result only the following three objectives were identified:
1.To ensure Little Lever offers a high quality environment
2.To make Little Lever accessible to everyone
3.To work in partnership with stakeholders to ensure common goals are achieved
All local Ward Members were consulted in order to ascertain their views and gain their support for the actions contained within the plan. The plan was subsequently presented to the Corporate Resources Policy Development Group (PDG) on 5th April 2006 and they suggested amendments which were reported verbally as there is insufficient time between meetings to incorporate these into this report.
Once approval was given the plans would be presented in the local press and Bolton Scene and a formal consultation period would commence after the May elections. All town centre businesses would receive a copy of the plan.
Following consultation an amended action plan would be presented to Members prior to final approval.
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LEVERHULME AREA FORUM
On the same day that the plan was presented to the Policy Development Group, (5th April 2006) a meeting of the Leverhulme Area Forum was held chaired by Councillor Tony O'Connell.
The Forum received a presentation from Mr. Phil Lamb, Project Officer, Development and Regeneration Department, on the draft action plan for improving Little Lever Town Centre.
This presentation at a Council Sponsored Meeting with the residents explained the points made above and specifically promised the following.
1) Consultation with Elected Members;
2) A report would be submitted to the Policy Development Group and Executive Member to seek approval of the draft plan;
3) Full public consultation through a range of methods;
4) All traders to receive a copy of the draft plan;
5) Amendment to the plan in response to consultation;
6) Approval of the amended plan.It was stated that progress updates would be brought back to future meetings of the Forum.
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THINGS I HAVEN'T YET FOUND OUT
As stated above the Draft Action Plan for Little Lever Town Centre was presented to the Executive Member for Corporate Resources by Director of Development and Regeneration. This was on 18th of April 2006.
•I assume that the Plan was approved as 2) -above but have no documentation to show that
•I have no details of the full public consultation, whether it took place, by what means or the results of that consultation
•I have no information as to if or when copies of the Draft Plan were distributed to the any or all of the Traders.
•I have no information as to if or how the Draft Plan was amended as a result of this consultation.
•I have no information about progress updates at subsequent Area Forum Meetings.
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EXTRACTS FROM THE DRAFT PLAN AS IT WAS ON 18TH APRIL 2006
I have extracted from the plan those points which I judge to be relevant
•The draft boundary of the town centre covers the area bounded by Market Street, High Street to its junction with William Street, Fletcher Street and land to the rear of Little Lever Precinct
•Little Lever’s strength is as a centre which caters for the community it serves
•The environment of Little Lever town centre is dominated by the 1960s built precinct which gives the town centre a rather harsh appearance. As a result of this and given the low vacancy rate of the retail units this plan will concentrate on improving the environment of the town centre.
•Sustaining a successful town centre, like Little Lever in economic, cultural and social terms is a key part of the Bolton Community Strategy 2003-2012 developed by Bolton’s Vision for the Future Partnership.
•In recent years Government policy towards centres such as Little Lever has changed significantly. At the heart of this approach is the Government’s key aim of achieving ‘urban renaissance’. The Government recommends reinforcing the role of town centres and of the need to maintain their vitality and viability as attractive, safe and economically active places.
•As the town centre is dominated by the precinct a dialogue is urgently required with the owner to form a partnership that will see improvements to the general appearance.
•Only through a successful partnership will a healthy and viable town centre be achieved. However, Little Lever currently lacks any formal traders association or business forum and as such a much needed link between town centre businesses and the Council to discuss issues affecting the town centre is missing. .....................................................................................
EXTRACT OF SOME OF THE PROJECTS LISTED IN THE PLAN
•To improve the environment of Little Lever Precinct by a partnership between Development & Regeneration and the Precinct Owners using resources of both.
•Promote anti-litter initiatives by a partnership between Environmental Services and Town Centre Traders.
•Investigate the potential for Christmas Lights in the Town Centre.
•Investigate the feasibility of moving the recycling bins to a less prominent location
•Shop Front Grants Scheme. Investigate the potential for a grant regime by a partnership between Development & Regeneration and Shopkeepers.
•Investigate the business case for establishing a CCTV system for the town centre
•Investigate the feasibility of establishing a business watch scheme in the town centre
•Establish a forum between the Council and town centre businesses
•Citizen’s Panel - Consult the panel to gauge users’ views of the town centre
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So that was the plan in 2006. The next blog will examine what has happened since.
Paul
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