Shopping parades revamp gets extra money

By sbaldock

WORK to revamp several of Crawley's shopping parades has received a major cash boost.

Crawley council is pumping another £155,000 into a multi-million pound scheme to give nine parades a facelift.

Langley Green and Bewbush neighbourhood centres are the largest projects of the town's much-needed improvements, costing the council around £18 million alone.

Northgate, Gales Drive, in Three Bridges, Pound Hill, West Green, Southgate, Gossops Green and Ifield are also having a total of £2m pumped into their makeovers.

Himanshi Chawla works at Langley Green Parade and lives in one of the flats above the shops.

She said: "So far the work on the parade has been wonderful, especially the double glazing in the flats, it's really keeping the noise and cold out.

"They've also painted the flats and laid down new floor on the balcony so now I can sit outside in the summer and admire the day."

Naomi Newman, who works at Lloyds Chemist, in Langley Green, added: "The work that's already been carried out has made a huge difference. The new paintwork and lighting has made it much brighter.

"When we'd go out to shut up it would be very dark out here, because we're a chemist you do get addicts hanging around from time to time and it used to be quite scary – it feels much safer now."

With a new car park, children and family centre, primary care centre, and a games area still to come, locals say they are eagerly awaiting the next phase.

Work is yet to start on Bewbush parade but new play areas and a sports pavilion are set to open early next year.

Councillor Beryl Mecrow said: "It's great to see the Heart of Bewbush project underway.

"Local councillors and officers have been working with the community for some time to ensure the needs of local residents are met."

But Smokey's Video owner, Girish Patel, fears it won't have an impact on problems with antisocial behaviour in the area.

"The parade obviously needs the improvements and I'm looking forward to them but I don't think it will stop antisocial behaviour.

"Unfortunately changing the environment doesn't necessarily change a person – the root of the problems need to be addressed first."

Work on new parking, doctor's surgery, neighbourhood park and much more is set to start in 2009.