With several regeneration initiatives underway in Widnes town centre, the pre-war council housing estate between nearby Lugsdale Road and Widnes Road was in danger of looking event more depressed. Over the years, wear and tear had taken its toll on the neighbourhood leaving a featureless landscape, no recreational facilities and concerns over crime and road safety.

Case study describes how community took the initiative and successfully engaged and consulted with residents as well as joining forces with Halton Borough Council, to draw up a plan to design and build a more attractive, more sustainable environment.

‘Streets Ahead’ gathered community feedback and with Halton Borough Council, drew up a plan to design and build a more attractive, sustainable environment including:

A key element of the community consultation was to look at Home Zone areas and examine how the estate’s streets were currently used. By redefining that use to prioritise improved appearance, increased safety, and better pedestrian accessibility, the residents hoped to encourage better social interaction.

Owing to the strong community involvement and ownership in the scheme, incidences of vandalism have fallen dramatically and residents themselves suggested a gardening competition to ensure front gardens didn’t let down the new, attractive appearance. The community now has an environment to be proud of and their significant input into its creation has ensure the improvements will be sustained.

Learning points:

The community and the environment.

Streets Ahead residents association; community development team at Halton Borough Council.

Halton Borough Council
Philip Esseen

//2002

case

Urban Policy

Social inclusion & integration, Housing, Urban environment