Planned £30,000 audio system for West Street scrapped

Back in November Unveiling of changes to Horsham's West Steet and Christmas celebrations. County councillor Brad Watson and Horsham District Councils deputy leader Helena Croft cut the ribbon. Photo by Derek Martin

Speaking during Wednesday’s Horsham District Council meeting Helena Croft (Con, Roffey North), cabinet member for communication, special projects, and Horsham town, told members that the project board had decided not to go ahead with the proposed audio system.

Instead Mrs Croft suggested they would look at reallocating the money to providing Wifi for visitors to the town centre.

She said: “Following the meeting we will not purse this idea any further.

“West Street is the wrong place for a sound system, which is impractical in this location.”

She continued: “The project board explored the potential of a town-wide wifi system with the money notionally identified for the sound system.”

The first phase of the West Street Enhancement Project, which involved new street paving, was officially unveiled back in November.

But the second phase, due to involve street lighting, way-finding, landscaping, is expected to take place later this year at a cost of £257,500.

HDC successfully bid to fund the scheme from West Sussex County Council’s Kick Start Programme, with HDC providing £100,000 match funding.

The total budget for the improvement works is £691,111.