Town set for improvement

10:40am Thursday 24th July 2008

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Playground, parks and Watford town centre will be at the forefront of improvement projects using money received from developers over the next year.

For each new housing development, Watford Borough Council negotiates Section 106 financial contributions toward the provision of facilities, services or environmental enhancements in the town.

The total amount of S106 funds spent by the council in 2007/08 was just under £300,000, and a further £550,000 will be allocated for projects in 2008/09.

Over the past year, projects included achieving Green Flag status in Cassiobury Park, the refurbishment of Watford Fields and King George V play areas and the start of improvements to the Buryfield wildlife areas.

"Green" toilets were also built at allotments across the borough and a wildlife project was established behind properties in Brixton Road and Hatfield Road.

In addition, cycle routes and bicycle parking facilities have been enhanced and the first stage of the Town Centre Enhancement Plan is scheduled for completion later this summer.

New projects planned for 2008/09 include achieving Green Flag status at Woodside Playing Fields, putting £120,000 toward a multi-use games area in Meriden, and improved changing facilities at Knutsford Playing Fields.

There are also plans for increased cycling provision in the borough and the second phase of the Town Centre Enhancement. This includes resurfacing 14 tree pits, repairing or replacing concrete balls, tree planting in the Plaza area near Exchange Road and a feasibility study of the refurbishment of the pond.

At the council's Cabinet meeting on Monday, Councillor Shirena Counter, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Community Services, said: "There's so much being done, it's great to get on with it. I'm looking forward to spending money."

Councillor Nigel Bell expressed his desire to see open space development in Vicarage ward. But Councillor Amanda Grimston (Leggatts) said: "There's plenty of green spaces in West Watford. However, in north Watford I feel there are quite a few problems. We need our children to be out and playing. There's a sense of urgency in north Watford now the Bill Everett (Community Centre) has closed. We do need play areas and activities for children."

Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: "We are trying to go across the borough bringing everything up to a higher standard. We have started at the worst and, therefore, people will have to wait.

"We started looking at areas where there isn't anything or nothing else and are working our way round.

"Watford is eight square miles and has 54 playgrounds - more playgrounds than the London Borough of Brent. There are very few places where you cannot walk to somewhere good to play. But it's right that councillors want more and better."