Devon County Council

devon.gov.uk

From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, November 26, 2008

PEOPLE in Exmouth have a chance to see how they have helped form draft proposals to shape the future of the Strand at a public exhibition next month.

This second phase public consultation event is being held at Exmouth Town Hall Council Chamber from 2.30pm-7pm on Friday 5 December, and from 10.30am-2.30pm on Saturday 6 December. It follows a successful initial event in June which attracted more than 2,200 comments.

The comments have been used to inform three alternative draft proposals that will be on show in the latest exhibition. Staff from Devon County Council, East Devon District Council, Exmouth Town Council and the Town Management Partnership will be on hand and questionnaires will be available.

The proposals show different ways of laying out the road and gardens space to provide a more pleasant environment in the Strand. By giving greater priority to pedestrians the aim is to increase footfall in the area and boost trade. Research by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) has shown that improving the quality of public space increases use of the area and creates economic benefit.

The initial consultation found that the overall appearance of the Strand generated the biggest response, with most people keen to retain green space, but also wanting better arrangement of paved surfaces. The majority of responses also backed the idea of the space being used more for outdoor entertainment, markets and events. Although most people wanted the raised plant beds removed, they still wanted the planting improved and increased. Significant support was shown for some form of pedestrianisation of the Strand.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "This part of Exmouth is very important to the town, which is why the County Council, in initiating its proposals some years ago is glad that its partners share its concern to provide as much opportunity as possible for businesses and residents to have a say in any changes under consideration."

Councillor Eileen Wragg, Devon County Councillor for Exmouth Littleham and Town and East Devon District Councillor for Exmouth Town Ward, said: "This very full consultation has provided an opportunity for the public to have positive input into what they would like to see designed for the town centre. There has never been a blueprint for The Strand, which could now well become a nationally acclaimed focal point, and not just an area which could be in any town in the country. The Strand Gardens has become a central gathering place for the community, especially on Remembrance Sunday and at Christmas."

Councillor Darryl Nicholas, East Devon District Council's Champion for Exmouth, said: "This is the perfect opportunity for Exmouth residents to create the type of Strand that they really want. The regeneration of the Strand will be much more than bricks and landscaping; this space will be at the very heart of our town centre and at the very core of our community. As a town we have an amazing chance to create an area that could be used not only for shopping, but also for events, markets and entertainment. It is vital that local residents have their say on the proposals - working together to create a very special space that will raise the image of Exmouth and ensure a vibrant town centre."

Businesses and community groups are also being invited to discuss the future of the Strand.

Tony Collins, Exmouth Town Centre Manager, said: "Clearly the proposals for the Strand are a key part of the town's regeneration, with the challenge to meet the expectations of the community, whilst boosting the town's economy. It is great to see so much effort being put into finding the best solution so that this can be achieved for Exmouth."

Following the consultation days, the exhibition can also be viewed at the Council Chamber until Friday 9 January 2009.

Notes for Editors:

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.

Councillor Eileen Wragg, 01395 273474.

Tony Collins, Exmouth Town Centre Manager, 01395 276167.

• Leader of the Council - Cllr Brian Greenslade
• Chief Executive -- Phil Norrey

• Budget £800 million
• Key investments include:
• Schools £349 million
• Adult and Community Services £164 million
• Environment, Economy and Culture £106 million
• Children and Young People £101 million

• Other important County Council support includes:
• Building programme: £185 million for new schools, roads, care services, libraries and recycling centres

• Political make-up:
• County Council seats: 62
• 33 Liberal Democrat
• 23 Conservative
• 4 Labour
• 2 Independent
• Next County Council elections: May 7, 2009

• Key stats:
• Population: 741,000
• Schools: 365
• Pupils: 96,200
• Children looked after: 584
• Adults helped to live at home: 17,622
• Residential and nursing care: 4,212 adults
• Libraries and Mobile Libraries: 61
• Roads: 12,831 kms (7,973 miles)
• Bridges: 3,500
• Public Rights of Way: 4,960 kms (3,200 miles)
• Streetlights: 71,000
• Illuminated road signs: 10,917
• Recycling Centres: 20
• Recycling rate: 49.21%

Figures may be subject to change

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