“A Call to Ideas!”
Chiswick Councillors promote Street Improvement Fund
The latest round of applications for the “Street Improvement Fund” have been opened to “support proposals to change the street environment in response to resident suggestions”. The scheme which has received funding of £100,000yr will be shared across the Borough to help small projects above and beyond the remit of Hounslow Highways.
Examples of such projects range between renovating a War memorial to cycle parking to improved wheelchair access. Councillors, on behalf of residents and/or associations, will be able to submit applications to the Traffic and Transport Team for cash to help improve the public realm. In making their suggestions, residents and/or local groups are advised to “clearly outline the expected problem or issue and how the proposed solution will meet this”.
Speaking on the announcement, Chiswick Vice Chair and Chiswick Champion of the local Area Forum, Councillor Gerald McGregor, said,
“I am delighted to support the scheme which really puts “people power” into action. I strongly urge all residents and/or associations in and around Chiswick to submit their ideas and proposals to help improve their local areas”.
For more information and to get in contact please email your local Area Forum Chair, Councillor Sam Hearn on: [email protected] or Councillor Gerald McGregor his Vice Chair and Chiswick Champion: [email protected]
The deadline for applications is the 29th February and successful applications will be notified in April.
Councillor Sam Hearn added, “We all know of a particular area in Chiswick or a particular issue that could do with fixing. Whether its planting new trees, litter bins or improving street lighting and speed signs to even enhancing conservation areas, all ideas are encouraged”.
In the latest rounds of Labour cuts however, reductions in the Area Forum Grants of £35,000 and £15,000 from the Engagement Budget will be brought forward to this financial year. This means £25K will be ring-fenced from the Community Partnership’s Unit grant pot which will continue awarding grants of up to £500 to voluntary and community organisations.
“Labour’s cuts will affect what we can give to enterprising organisations who relied on grants supporting their activities and aspirations for local communities. Quite often these small groups are the backbone of our local communities and give so much to the life and soul to the Borough”, commented Councillor McGregor.