£500k regeneration plan for Rugeley revealed
A £500,000 transformation of a major gateway into a Staffordshire town can today be revealed with residents being asked to have their say on the scheme.
The Horse Fair and Wharf Road from the railway station to Rugeley town centre will be the focus of the works by Staffordshire County Council. The stretch could be reduced to a single carriageway.
Other ideas being mooted are improved pubic open spaces, planted areas maintained by residents, improvements to junctions and promotion of the links to the town's mining heritage.
Mark Winnington, Staffordshire County Council's cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said the cash injection would deliver a huge boost for the community.
He said: "Regeneration of our town centres is a key part of the county council's commitment to revitalise communities and help bring jobs and growth across the county. This is a fantastic opportunity to transform a major gateway into Rugeley and we want the people to have their say to help shape this vision."
Before the scheme is designed, the county council wants to know the views of residents and local businesses about how the area should be redeveloped.
Councillor John Rowley, chairman of Rugeley Town Council, welcomed the investment.
He said: "This is something really positive for Rugeley and a chance for the community to help shape the future of the town. The plans are looking at opening up the town centre and trying to make it more pedestrian and shopper friendly.
"There was a time when dual carriageways were seen to be the answer but we are starting to move away from that. There is still a long time to go but this is very much welcome in Rugeley."
Mr Winnington said: "Of course we have to work to budgets, and what is practical from a design or engineering point of view, but we think it should be largely down to the people of Rugeley to decide what they would like to see".
People can have their say on what they would like to see Horse Fair developed by emailing rugeleypublicrealm@staffordshire.gov.uk.
The county council will be reviewing suggestions over the coming weeks. It is hoped work on the scheme could start in the autumn.
