HUGE INVESTMENT IN HAHAM HIGH STREET

The South Gloucestershire Conservatives are pleased to announce an upcoming £400,000 revamp of Hanham High Street. This investment is projected to bring a new influx of life into the town and make it an even more desirable location for local residents.

The outlined plans include refurbished public toilets on Laburnum Road, improved bus stops and crossing signs, as well as planters and benches that will serve to strengthen the feeling of community in the High Street. Additionally, several new artworks such as murals will be installed along the High Street to add a unique flair with further revitalizing effects.

The package of upgrades, which totals £395,000 and which was developed in partnership with traders and the local community, follows efforts from Hanham’s Conservative councillors to ensure the town is given the investment it needs to thrive in future years.

Cllr June Bamford, Conservative ward member for Hanham on South Glos Council, said: “I am thrilled to see this significant investment coming to Hanham. High streets across the country have struggled in recent years due to changing consumer behaviour, and it’s good to see that here in South Glos we are committed to doing as much as we can to help local businesses.”

In order to help high streets such as Hanham’s, the South Glos Conservatives have ensured that it remains free to park in all Council-owned car parks across the district. This is a long-standing commitment from the Conservatives, who want to see this policy retained for as long as possible.

Cllr Brenda Langley, who also represents Hanham on South Glos Council, said: “The programme of works to improve the High Street is really exciting, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it will look when it’s finished.

“New planters, benches and street signs, along with the retention of free parking, will make the High Street look much more appealing and should help to increase footfall in the years to come.”

Cllr Matt Pitts, who sits on Hanham Parish Council and who will be standing as a candidate in May’s district council elections, said: “This investment is just what Hanham needs. The plans have already created a bit of a buzz locally, so I’m keen to see the project get off the ground later this year.”

The investment has been obtained by South Gloucestershire Council through the West of England Combined Authority’s (WECA) Love of High Streets Fund.

Over the past year, the Labour WECA

Mayor had sought to close down the Love Our High Streets fund established by the previous Conservative Mayor. But the unitary authorities that make up WECA (South Glos Council, Bristol Council and Bath and North East Somerset Council) resisted this move.

As a result, Hanham is now set to benefit from this vital investment fund.

Detailed designs will be put together over the summer and work is expected to start early next year.