Cash investment in town (From Witney Gazette)

Cash investment in town

9:00am Wednesday 19th July 2006 in Witney By Samantha Simpson

MONEY has been granted to continue paying for a project manager to steer forward plans for the development of Carterton.

West Oxfordshire District Council has agreed to part-fund the £14,000 post for another year with Carterton Town Council.

It means that the Carterton Fast Forward Towards 2010, which sets out more than 45 projects and development ideas for the town, can continue with the help of project manager Catherine Chater.

Ms Chater was appointed to the post for three years in 2003 after the Fast Forward initiative was set up.

Initial funding for the post from the South East England Development Agency runs out in August.

Carterton town clerk Janet Eustace said: "There are, in particular, two projects which benefit greatly from Catherine's continuing involvement. These are the redevelopment of the town centre and the construction of a community facility."

The redevelopment of Carterton town centre is one of the Fast Forward Partnership's most ambitious projects. Proposals include more shops, reducing traffic, revitalising the market, and generally improving its appearance.

Plans to pedestrian the northern end of Black Bourton Road and possibly the eastern end of Alvescot Road have raised some concerns, but the Fast Forward Partnership said plans were in their early stages and further consultation would be carried out. The partnership hopes the scheme will be complete by 2010.

Ms Chater has been responsible for implementing an action plan and works closely with both Carterton Town Council and the Fast Forward Partnership.

Verena Hunt, cabinet member for planning, said: "A great deal of good work has already been done and a lot more is coming to fruition."