A much loved and well used shopping parade in North Anston has had a make-over thanks to funding from the Towns and Villages scheme.
Privately owned shops along Quarry Lane in North Anston have been serving the community for decades, however in recent years it has started to look a little neglected and untidy.
When approached for ideas for the Towns and Villages Fund, Ward Councillors knew exactly where the investment should be made.
The area outside the shops has been resurfaced and the damaged railings have been replaced, making the area look much tidier. At the side of the shops, a new planting area has replaced a large bush that once ran wild. Bollards on the corner of the street have been installed to stop drivers parking on the kerb, making the area safer for pedestrians to use.
Along with the shopping area, further public realm improvements have been made to The Baulk green space with a new community bench being installed. With bulbs being planted around the area and a living Christmas Tree, the area will become an ideal place for residents to meet.
Ward Councillor Tracey Wilson said: “I remember walking along Quarry Lane when I was a child, when I was a teenager, and when I was a mother myself. It’s a key part of the community and I feel really proud that we have been able to give the area some love to make sure it remains a vital part of the community for many years to come.”
Ward Councillor Tim Baum-Dixon said: “The difference we’ve seen from before the project to after the project has been huge. It is amazing how changing little things can have a huge impact for residents. We’ve had positive feedback from residents and shop keepers since the works ended and I am sure we will be hearing more good things from residents over the coming months.”
Ward Councillor Drew Tarmey said: “Quarry Lane and The Baulk are areas in the ward that are used everyday, so it was important to us as councillors that the Towns and Villages project in Anston and Woodsetts ward take place here. This project couldn’t have been possible if not for residents feeding back to us and letting us know their thoughts. A huge thanks to everyone who got involved.”
The Towns and Villages Fund is a £4million pound commitment from Rotherham Council to deliver improvements to towns and village centres across the borough, focusing on areas that are important to communities and engaging with residents to ensure they have a say in the designs.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Cllr Sarah Allen, said: “Over the last few years I have been to many completed Towns and Villages schemes and at each one I have seen how important these local regeneration projects are to our communities. It gives new lease of life to community assets and have a hugely positive effect on local residents.”
Further information about this scheme and others happening across the borough can be found at www.rotherham.gov.uk/villages.