Locals question spending of Future High Streets Fund. Projects include town hall updates and street furniture.
The council listed how they would use the funds. Transport got £3,168,000. The River Project received £1,396,000. They allocated £800,246 for public spaces. The town hall got £8,949,810 for updates and vacant units received £2,033,000.
The council won’t detail specific costs for projects. New street furniture cost £55,000. It appeared on Castle Street and elsewhere, but people called it ugly and confusing.
The town council picked the street furniture. Cllr Stewart Palmen said it was a joint choice. Footpaths got widened on several streets, including Church Street and Fore Street.
More work is occurring on Halve and Roundstone Street. Residents voiced concerns about costs, with one person suggesting free parking instead and others wanting pothole repairs done. Some people called the spending a waste.
Many comments appeared online questioning costs. One person thinks they are getting ripped off. Another asked about transport improvements, while one user sees overall improvements to the town.
Another said prices are high everywhere. The funds aim to revitalize town centers to make them attractive and welcoming.
Cllr Holder said they sought public opinions in 2022. Many were unhappy with the town center’s appearance. They wanted better pavements and street furniture and some suggested better design too.
A second survey focused on river and public spaces. They sought feedback on proposed updates. Both councils were asked for updated comments. Wiltshire Council said it shared budget allocations and spending could change as work progressed.