GATEWAY TO SUCCESS: Cash set aside to spruce up entrance to Buxton

Councillors have agreed to establish a Gateway Improvements Programme which will see the money spilt between projects to improve the Fairfield to Station Road corridor in Buxton and the A57 western entrance to Glossop.

Tony Kemp, executive councillor for tourism, regeneration and licensing, said: “The council is seeking to bring forward much-needed improvements to the first impression visitors get as they enter Buxton along Fairfield Road.”

The council will use money from the now suspended Heritage Regeneration Scheme and the Landlord Accreditation Scheme. Supporting revenue funding has been allowed for in the operational services waste collection budget.

It was noted that the council would fund grants aimed at improving the front external appearance of some properties.

Coun Kemp said: “Smaller grants will be used to encourage exemplar schemes for things such as improving gardens and screening bins.

“We will also look to upgrade some “public realm” features, while working with private property owners to demonstrate the value that can be added through judicious re-investment.”

The gateway plans were approved at an meeting of the council’s executive last week.

The programme comes during a key period for the town, with the Crescent project heading towards completion in 2019 and the refurbishment of the Pavilion Gardens complex well underway.

A council report stated: “Buxton’s adopted vision is to become England’s Leading Spa Town. However, for the potential benefits of these developments to be fully realised, the council needs to address the poor appearance of some gateway sites.

“One of the key routes into the town centre along the A6 from Stockport via Fairfield Road presents a poor image to the town largely due to the condition of a number of the properties on the west side of the road.”

The council will be working on the project with property owners, Buxton Town Team, Derbyshire County Council and the authority’s own operational services team.

Coun Kemp added: “The council will also seek to address the derelict condition of an old public house at Woolley Bridge in Glossop which was abandoned by the owners many years ago.”

Richard Lower is helping lead the project for Buxton Town Team alongside other residents and volunteers.

He said: “The money is great news for everybody. It now means we have money and the will to tackle the situation.

“I think the council already had this is the pipeline so it would be wrong to suggest the town team is behind it, although we have raised awareness of the problems which is a good thing.”