The three main shopping centres outside Staines, have all seen considerable improvements thanks to an overall investment of £600,000 (£200,000 for each area) from Spelthorne Council and Surrey County Council.

We would like to thank all those who contributed to shaping the proposals for each area including councillors, businesses and local groups. All the areas had different issues and needs and it is hoped that the improvements fit the bill with local residents.

Shepperton

Extensive consultation with local residents highlighted the need to:- remove the double height kerbs so car doors can be opened when parking move the recycling bins improve the trees and the overall appearance improve the village hall enhance the village character and celebrate its history

Councillors and groups of local people worked together to identify the key issues for Shepperton High Street and local children were also involved in the design of a local history board.

Work started in August 2010 and was only delayed by bad weather in the latter part of the year. The project is now complete and local councillors are delighted that the views and ideas of local people have been incorporated and that the shopping centre has been enhanced as a result.

Ashford

Headed by local councillors and County Councillor Carol Coleman, the working group liaised with the Ashford community to agree what improvements were needed. The main issues on Church Road included the frontage of the multi-storey car park, litter and graffiti, fly tipping and the general standard of cleaning. Improvements include:-

• a new town square has been developed outside Jack’s Fish and Chip shop with new trees, benches and town clock
• a deep clean of the pavements, new litter bins, benches and welcome signs
• re-painting of the bollards, pruning works to trees and lighting added to the War Memorial to illuminate it at night
• the car park is proving more of a challenge but ideas have included painting the ground level wall and hanging designs from the upper levels
• overall the aim has been to brighten up the town with some significant and lasting features

Sunbury Cross

Initial feedback provoked a lot of debate about where young people could meet, antisocial behaviour, safety in the underpass and a desire to make the area greener and more attractive. Actions to deal with these concerns include: building a new skate park at the top of Green Street improvements to the underpass: restoration of the graffi ti artwork and removal of tags, repainting the plain walls, upgraded lighting and CCTV, measures to improve drainage cleaning of the clock tower and new seating around it planting of trees in Staines Road West and Vicarage Road installation of CCTV behind the Parade/Heathcroft Avenue

The project was led by local councillors and County Councillor Ian Beardsmore.

For further details, contact:

Ashford: Brian Harris on 01784 446249
Shepperton: Liz Borthwick on 01784 446376
Sunbury Cross: Michael Graham on 01784 446296