By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Talks have been underway to develop a better vision to improve Cheltenham’s town centre.
Cheltenham Borough Council chiefs met recently with bosses at Shire Hall to discuss how best work on improving the spa town’s public realm.
Concerns have been raised in recent months over the state of some of the town’s prominent streets such as The Strand part of the High Street.
And a “worrying trend” of restaurant and cafe closures was highlighted at the council meeting earlier this month.
However, there are plans afoot to get many of the town’s organisations together to discuss how to best improve Cheltenham.
Councillor Izaac Tailford (LD, All Saints), who is responsible for economic development, wellbeing, culture and public realm, gave an update at this week’s cabinet meeting.
He said: “Last week I attended a meeting with Gloucestershire County Council and our officers about the High Street, Promenade and developing a better vision and planning for the future for our town.
“I think it’s really important that we work together and as and when possible and relevant we bring in all the different organisations that should be consulted.
He said the aim is to improve the town centre and the wider public realm.
“It’s really important for our businesses. It’s really important for how we feel about our town.
“So hopefully the work we are doing together will help us get back on track and make us the town we should be publicly.”
Earlier this month, Gloucestershire County Council leader Lisa Spivey (LD, South Cerney) said the authority recognises the importance of historic town centres such as Cheltenham’s.
And she said they are working with Borough colleagues on features to enhance the area.
“We recognise the importance of our historic town centres across the county and the value they add not just in preserving the look and feel of places like Cheltenham, but also the knock-on economic and social benefits,” she said at the time.