Call for public to have their say as town centre plans are unveiled

6.56.54pm GMT Fri 23rd Feb 2007

Major plans to transform Richmond Town Centre will be unveiled in the town as the Council launches a public consultation to gauge the views of local people.

The £3m project is the borough's largest transport planning scheme in recent years and is geared to improving traffic flow, road safety and the overall look of the street scene. Detailed plans go on display in an exhibition stand on Lower George Street from Saturday, 3 March, until Sunday, 11 March, when Richmond Council officers will be on hand to explain the scheme and answer questions.

The proposals include new York stone paving and new signage, better street lighting, upgraded street furniture and more CCTV. They also include plans to upgrade the forecourt at Richmond train station, improve traffic flow and reduce road accidents in the town. The scheme will be funded from part of the £6.89m grant awarded by Transport for London last year - the largest award to any London borough - for road and transport improvements in Richmond upon Thames. More than 5,000 questionnaires will be dropped through the letterboxes of local residents and businesses, and other interested parties will also be able to give their views via the Council website.

Cllr David Trigg, Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking, said: "These exciting proposals will be a huge boost for Richmond Town Centre, bringing benefits for residents, businesses and visitors to the borough. They will boost road safety, which is a key priority, and make the area more pedestrian and cycle friendly. The proposed improvements at Richmond train station continue our efforts to promote sustainable transport in the borough by making train travel even more attractive. It is vital these improvements meet the needs of the community. That is why the consultation is so vitally important, allowing everyone to have their say and so help shape the final plans."