HELP to shape the future of Letchworth GC. That s the invitation to residents. North Herts District Council is starting work on a town centre strategy for the garden city and wants to involve as many interested people and organisations as possible, throug

HELP to shape the future of Letchworth GC. That's the invitation to residents.

North Herts District Council is starting work on a town centre strategy for the garden city and wants to involve as many interested people and organisations as possible, through a stakeholder group.

It is holding the first of three workshops next Wednesday, January 18, at 7pm at Plinston Hall to look at the use of land, activities and community facilities.

Other workshops, to be held in February and March, will focus on transport, access and community safety followed by a look at buildings and streets as well as ways of enhancing and promoting the town centre.

The workshops will also consider the recent massive redevelopment plans for the Arena and Wynd areas put forward by Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation.

A wide range of organisations and businesses have already been invited to the workshops, including Letchworth GC Town Centre Partnership and local landlords.

Council officers will be discussing the issues and listening to people's views before drawing up a draft town centre strategy to cover the next 10 years. It should be ready for public consultation in the autumn.

Cllr Richard Thake, council portfolio holder for planning, said: "We want to provide a town centre that works well for businesses, traders and residents alike.

"The first thing to find out is what people want and how they think the strategy can contribute towards ensuring that the town centre continues to function as a thriving, lively and prosperous community.

"We want as many people as possible to be involved so please come along on the 18th and help us get it right."

If you would like to be involved in the workshops or have more details about the town centre strategy, call Louise Symes, NHDC projects manager, on 01462 474359 or Christine Phillipps, assistant technical support officer, on 01462 474826.