Hope for a Safer Centre In September 2005 Northampton Borough Council (NBC) launched the Town Centre Commission (TCC). The TCC has been established in Northampton to provide the opportunity for consultation so that those people and groups with a stake in the future of Northampton are able to give their views and input into future development plans that are made within the town centre. As part of this consultation procedure NBC sought to understand the specific needs of LGB people through meetings with the Northampton LGB People’s Forum which resulted in a Safety Study Walk around the town centre in April this year. Members of NLGBA joined the LGB People’s Forum to examine the main areas of concern which were then discussed at one of our regular Chill ‘n’ Chat sessions. One of the major concerns was around inadequate street lighting at several points around the centre, particularly the Jetties, underpasses, public toilets and streets such as College Street, part of the main walk way between the Boston Clipper and the Jolly Anker venues. Concerns were also raised about intimidating behaviour in the evenings around the top of Bridge Street and Abington Street where people tend to congregate. People also complained of feeling unsafe while waiting for taxis outside venues such as the Jolly Anker. Following these specific safety issues the group went on to discuss wider urban design principles - beliefs that should be respected so that the town centre can develop according to people’s needs. They explored and commented on issues such as accessibility, housing and green spaces, how to enhance the uniqueness of the town and encourage its use by all communities. The full report of this consultation is available here
or, for more information on the TCC and reports of consultations with
other community groups please visit www.northampton.gov.uk/tcc
where you can also have your own views heard.
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