Chance to give views on plans for Weston seafront

MULTI-MILLION pound plans to improve part of Weston- super-Mare's seafront will be going on display for public consultation.

North Somerset Council is considering making significant changes such as upgrading public spaces and changes to the road layout bounded by the Grand Pier/Beach Hotel and Beach Road/Carlton Street.

The total cost for the project is £3.9 million, with money coming from North Somerset Council and grants from the South West Regional Development Agency and other organisations.

It is also part of the Civic Pride scheme, which has already funded the improvements at Grove Village and Big Lamp Corner. Plans will go on display along with details of the Weston Town Centre Area Action Plan, at the Winter Gardens on July 20, from noon to 7pm.

Two further exhibition days are also planned at the Sovereign Centre on July 25, from noon to 5pm, and at the Campus on July 29, from 1pm to 8pm.

Officers are also asking for feedback on suggestions for a new name for the area.

Ideas so far include Pier Plaza, Centenary Gardens, Fountain Square or Pier Square.

In autumn, the council will start work to enhance the two lawns and surrounding roads between Carlton Street and the Grand Pier.

The work, which will be complete in 2010, will include changing the road layout to stop tailbacks and delays at peak times.

In addition, the scheme also aims to make better use of the Beach Lawns by improving the landscaping and creating better access while keeping its heritage, such as the 1913 fountain.

North Somerset Council's executive member for strategic planning, highways and economic development, Elfan Ap Rees, said: "This work will address a number of issues, which have mostly been caused by the history of the area.

"In 1883, when the lawns were first developed, planners could not have predicted the type and amount of traffic the roads have to carry today.

"This has caused problems with congestion but also makes the lawns difficult to access as they sit surrounded by busy roads.

"These plans not only address these issues, making it a more pedestrian-friendly area with fewer delays for traffic, they also preserve the historic nature of the area as a beautiful leisure spot."