Have a say on possible estate improvements

Residents are being invited to comment on proposals that could help regenerate a deprived area of Newark.

The Bridge Ward Neighbourhood Study was carried out for Newark and Sherwood District Council to help determine work needed in and around the Yorke Drive and Lincoln Road estates to improve life for tenants and residents.

This included crime reduction, environmental improvements and possible changes to the layout.

A key part of the study was involving the local community and key stakeholders.

That meant working closely with residents and businesses to identify issues and priorities.

The plan will guide decision making and hopefully lead to regeneration and growth over the next 15 years.

The council is holding a consultation event at the Bridge Community Centre, Lincoln Road, on January 25 from 2pm to 6pm where residents can see the plans and proposals, speak to housing officers and comment on suggested changes.

The proposals include the growth and regeneration of Yorke Drive; building new homes on part of the Lincoln Road playing fields; enhancing the rest of the Lincoln Road playing fields and creating a community hub and activities for young people.

There are wider projects around training and employment strategy, the Brunel Business Park Travel Plan and creation of a business forum.

Supporting projects include a rail gateway, Lincoln Road traffic calming measures and new homes at Seven Hills and surrounding land.

Information will be available at the consultation from landlords Newark and Sherwood Homes and the council’s sports development and economic development teams.

The leader of the district council, Mr Roger Blaney, said: “Around 5,500 residents live in the Bridge Ward, across the Yorke Drive and Lincoln Road estates.

“At the moment, the study’s suggestions are just that. Before considering the suggestions further, we would like to hear the views of residents on what the experts feel could be done to improve life across the ward.

“Deprivation scores for Yorke Drive are in the top 10% nationally for income, employment, health and education, and the layout of the estate is not helpful when it comes to preventing crime and anti-social behaviour.

“We feel a mixture of development, regeneration and an improvement of facilities for sport and young people would help improve life for everyone.

“I would urge anyone interested in the future of their estate to come along and give us their views.”