People had their say on how to spend £500,000 to improve Horsham’s West Street during a three day exhibition last week.
An empty unit in Middle Street was made available to Horsham District Council at no cost to allow officers to show people the options available to revamp Horsham’s busiest shopping street.
David Sheldon, Horsham district and West Sussex County Council member for the town centre, said: “Having done up East Street, West Street looks a little tired and there’s an issue with lighting.
“For as long as I can remember there has been a problem with how you get people to know there’s more beyond West Walk so signage will be improved.
“Given that due to space and size Horsham is never going to compete on having massive chain stores like Guildford or Bluewater, we have to compete on shopping environment and experience.
“We have to do what we can to keep that absolutely top quality.”
HDC cabinet member for Horsham town, communications and special projects Helena Croft (Con, Roffey North) said many older residents said they want more modern street furniture.
“We don’t want anything that’s garish, but timeless. Even in the steering group made up of ward members and businesses, we moved from traditional to wanting something contemporary - as long as it’s quality,” she said.
Some disagreed, including Jeanette Dudman from Southwater who said: “It’s nice they’re doing it up. I would prefer something traditional. I don’t want it to become like other towns. People come from other towns like Crawley because of the different experience here.”
The council hopes to finalise plans later this month, and start the work in August for completion in November.
To read more about the options and submit your views go to http://www.horsham.gov.uk/community/West-Street-Enhancement.aspx
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