Kington Secures Up to £200,000 for Road and Pavement Improvements

Kington has been allocated up to £200,000 for public realm improvements, including enhancements to roads, pavements, and signage. This funding, announced by Ms Liz Kelso, the town clerk, will be available to market towns in Herefordshire for the second time, following similar support provided during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Previously, Kington Town Council utilized such funding to resurface high streets and upgrade pavements. As Ms Kelso explained, the council is now looking to expand its efforts beyond the main streets. She noted, “When we had this funding before, we set up a process and we resurfaced the high street and renewed all the pavements. We did say at the time that if any further money became available we would do the same work further out of the main streets.”

The funding must be utilized by March 31, 2026, which creates a pressing timeline for the council. To maximize the potential of this financial support, Ms Kelso suggested forming a small working group to collaborate with Herefordshire Council. She indicated that the council is eager to discuss possible projects, with a preliminary conversation aimed for completion by October 3, 2023.

Kington’s Mayor, Councillor Philip Sell, along with Deputy Mayor Councillor Martin Woolford, and Councillors Esther Rolls and Bob Widdowson, have volunteered to be part of this working group. Their task will involve brainstorming ideas and formulating a plan to present to Herefordshire Council.

The upcoming discussions will focus on identifying the best use of the funds, potentially extending improvements to less-trafficked areas. The collaboration with Balfour Beatty, Herefordshire Council’s contractors, is expected to facilitate the project’s execution. As the timeline is tight, there is a sense of urgency among the council members to ensure that Kington benefits fully from this funding opportunity.

The initiative reflects a continued commitment to enhancing the town’s infrastructure and public spaces, fostering a vibrant community environment for residents and visitors alike.