Future plans for town improvement revealed (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Future plans for town improvement revealed

THE group that initiated the restoration of Stow-on-the-Wold's dilapidated public fountain is deciding which project to undertake next in the town.

Stow 2020 will base its decision upon answers given on returned copies of a questionnaire it delivered to about 1,000 Stow households asking residents' opinions about how they would like their town improved.

It has formed a three-member sub-committee to examine the answers which showed that youth facilities, an increased police presence and a new car park were at the top of the residents' wish list.

A town appraisal, a set of guidelines for Stow's future development, has been compiled from the answers and will be displayed in public places in the town.

Stow 2020 is a committee formed to make Stow's contribution to Cotswold District Council's Market Towns Initiative (MTI) which is aimed at improving market towns.

Its first project was the renovation of Fountain Green, at the Fosse Way/High Street junction, which started in late October and is scheduled to finish before Christmas.

The Tesco national supermarket company, the district council and Stow Town Council were among those who funded the £45,000 restoration.

Alan Rose, Stow 2020's chairman, said: "The fountain's restoration proves that, if somebody does get up and try and do something, you can achieve things."