The
Head of Environment and Public Realm presented the initiative to
provide improvements to the street scene and landscaping on the A20
Ashford Road (between Willington Street and King
Street). Funding of £74,000 had
been realised from the Business Rates Retention Pilot.
The
Committee noted the key actions which were:-
·
A deep cleaning programme to remove detritus from
along the Mote Park wall
·
A new bus shelter to be installed at the A20
junction with New Cut Road
·
New bollards would be installed
·
An improved appearance for railings
·
Planting of bulbs and shaping wild flower areas to
enhance colour and biodiversity and enable habitat
development
·
Planting of new trees
·
New signage which included a heritage board and
‘Welcome to Maidstone’ sign
·
New street name plates
·
Creation of heritage features with interpretation
boards
·
Repainted street lights
In
response to questions from Members, the Head of Environment and
Public Realm advised that:
·
KCC had fully engaged with MBC Officers and had
pledged funding for white lining of the road at the conclusion of
the project and would be providing permits to allow operatives to
work on the roads
·
The wooden bus shelters were more attractive and
require less maintenance
·
The grass verge and bollards at the junction of
Willington Street would be reinstated.
RESOLVED: That the Committee approves the proposed scope of
the Maidstone Approach Improvement Project.